Dear Utica City School District Faculty and Staff:
I am deeply honored and excited to join you as the new Superintendent of Utica City School District. As we embark on this new school year together, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. Together, we will create new opportunities, transform our current system, and empower our students to reach their highest potential. This is exemplified by the additional Career and Technical Education pathways developed and the new addition to Proctor High School, which are just a few reasons to be excited about our organization and community.
Furthermore, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the previous administration, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to supporting and nurturing our students. Your commitment is truly commendable, and I eagerly anticipate working with each of you to build upon the strong foundation you have established. Together, we will expand opportunities and enhance student outcomes.
Moreover, I am eager to embrace our district’s rich diversity, reflected in our student body and broader community. Diversity is one of our greatest strengths, offering a unique opportunity to cultivate a learning environment that embraces diverse perspectives and cultures. I am dedicated to prioritizing equity and inclusion to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
In the spirit of openness and transparency, I will soon release my 100-Day Entry Plan, outlining immediate priorities and providing opportunities for direct engagement with stakeholders. I look forward to meeting all of you as I tour the district. My hope is to gain insights to achieve shared goals.
I am optimistic about the future of our district and the boundless potential of our students. Let us approach this school year with determination, compassion, and a collective commitment to the success of every student.
Thank you for your warm welcome and continued support. Here’s to a successful and rewarding year ahead! UTICA UNITED!
Warm regards,
Dr. Christopher Spence
Superintendent of Schools
Utica City School District
For a PDF version of Dr. Spence's Welcome Letter, please click here.