Dear Utica City School District Families,
"The time is always right to do what is right," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us.
Today, as we celebrate his legacy, I'm inspired by how our students, families, and educators embrace this principle, working together to create positive change in our community.
Dr. King also understood that transformative change begins at home, with families serving as the first teachers of compassion, dignity, and respect. As parents and caregivers, you lay the foundation for your children's understanding of justice, equality, and human dignity—values Dr. King championed throughout his life. When he spoke of his dream for his four children to "one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character," he spoke to the aspirations all parents hold for their children.
In our schools, we're working to build upon the values you instill at home. When I look at our Career and Technical Education expansion at Proctor High School, I see another powerful example of Dr. King's dream in action. This isn't just about building new classrooms; it's about building bridges to opportunity. Our twelve new career pathways, from healthcare to advanced manufacturing, are opening doors for students from every background to access high-wage, high-demand careers. Last year, 312 of our students participated in CTE programs, and that number continues to grow—each student representing hope, opportunity, and the fulfillment of Dr. King's vision of equality through education.
Dr. King reminded us that "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" This MLK Day, I encourage our families to engage in meaningful conversations about Dr. King's legacy and find ways to serve our community together. Whether participating in local service projects, attending community events, or simply discussing the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect, these actions help keep Dr. King's dream alive for future generations.
As we continue our journey toward excellence and equity in education, I'm inspired by the dedication of our Utica families, educators, and community partners. Together, we're creating schools where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential—exactly the kind of educational environment Dr. King envisioned.
Warmly,
Dr. Christopher M. Spence
Superintendent of Schools
#uticaunited
P.S. I invite you to share with your children how you and your family work to keep Dr. King's dream alive in our community. These conversations strengthen the bonds between home and school, helping us build a more inclusive and equitable future for all our students.