Good evening, everyone.
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, I'm struck by something he once said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
This question guides our work on the Board of Education and resonates throughout our Utica community.
Dr. King understood that true progress comes when communities unite and work together toward common goals.
Here in Utica, we see this unity in action every day—in our classrooms, our neighborhoods, and our shared commitment to educational excellence.
Our strength lies in our diversity, and our progress is driven by the dedication of parents, teachers, staff, and community members who come together to support our students' success.
When Dr. King spoke of creating the "beloved community," he envisioned people of all backgrounds working together to build a better future.
In our school district, we're fortunate to see this vision come to life through the countless ways our community members step forward to support our students' education.
Whether through parent-teacher organizations, community partnerships, or individual volunteers, this collective commitment to our children's future embodies Dr. King's belief in the power of unity and shared purpose.
In our district, we see concrete examples of this community spirit every day.
Our Volunteer Reading Tutor Program, now in its 54th year, exemplifies the spirit of service Dr. King championed.
This year, 36 dedicated community members have contributed over 550 hours, supporting 263 students in their learning journey.
These volunteers embody Dr. King's words: "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."
As Board President, I'm particularly mindful of Dr. King's words about leadership: "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus."
Our board strives to live up to this ideal by making decisions that advance equity and excellence for all students.
Whether we're reviewing curriculum, allocating resources, or developing policies, we're guided by Dr. King's vision of a society where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Finally, let us remember that Dr. King's dream wasn't just about integration—it was about creating genuine community, about bringing people together in pursuit of shared goals and mutual understanding.
Here in Utica, we're living this dream through our commitment to educational excellence, community service, and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you.