endorsements
AARON MARTINEZ
DR. MATTHEW HEINZ
DR. SHELLY NAJOR
Novi City Council Member
“Dr. Kat’s commitment to Novi is reflected in years of collaboration and service to our schools, our students, and our families. From leading the Novi Educational Foundation, volunteering throughout the district at every level, to stepping up when our community needs her, Kat has consistently invested her time and talents in making Novi's schools stronger. Her recent commitment to helping found the Novi Theatre Boosters will create an impact for years to come. She knows this community, she cares deeply about its future, and I’m proud to support her for Novi School Board.”
DR. SHELLY NAJOR
DR. MATTHEW HEINZ
DR. SHELLY NAJOR
Professor of Teaching, Member, Academy of Teachers, Wayne State University
"For nearly 20 years, I have observed Dr. Kat as professor, administrator, leader and colleague. In all spaces, she creates an atmosphere where we feel safe to explore, reflect, question, and share. Dr. Kat is perhaps the most committed, passionate, and devoted teacher/leader/scholar that I know. I have always been moved by her profound respect for students and colleagues, and I have always been proud to call her my dear friend."
DR. MATTHEW HEINZ
DR. MATTHEW HEINZ
DR. DONYALE PADGETT
Novi City Council Member
“Dr. Kat is committed to eduKATion for everyone and supporting students to achieve their goals. She has an impressive amount of experience including being a professor, president of the Novi Education Foundation, and sharing fun facts about penguins as a zoo volunteer. Kat has a clear passion to learn, serve, and lead. Her broad background and experience with a wide range of topics and settings enable her to make evidence-based decisions so that students can thrive. Let's Go Wild Kats!”
DR. DONYALE PADGETT
DR. DONYALE PADGETT
DR. DONYALE PADGETT
Vice Provost, Associate Professor, Wayne State University
“I have known Dr. Kat Maguire for almost 20 years. She is a valued colleague and a dear friend. As an educator, I have watched Kat advocate for her students in and outside the classroom. As an administrator at WSU, she led with a collaborative style. She is an engaged parent who, I believe, will advocate for the students and families in Novi with deep knowledge and an eye toward successful outcomes for the students in the district."
MARC JAPPAYA
DR. DONYALE PADGETT
MARC JAPPAYA
Novi Parent, Local Business Owner
“I first had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Kat Maguire a couple of years ago at Novi Community Fest, where she introduced me to the mission of the Novi Educational Foundation. Her passion inspired me to learn more for myself, and after speaking with my children’s teachers and others in the district who had seen NEF’s impact firsthand, I discovered that the organization was everything Kat had described and more.
That conversation stayed with me and ultimately became the catalyst for my company’s initiative to donate to NEF for every mortgage loan we close throughout 2026. That is the kind of impact Kat has: she inspired me to become more involved and invested in our community.
Kat is kind, caring, and genuinely committed to what is best for our schools, our children, and Novi as a whole. As a local business owner, Novi parent, and someone who cares deeply about this community, I am proud to endorse Dr. Kat Maguire for the Novi Community School District Board of Education.”