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Superintendent highlights strong start to school year, safety upgrades and bond-funded projects
Summary
District leaders told the Utica Community Schools board on Sept. 15, 2025 that the 2025–26 year opened strongly; presentations covered curriculum changes, enrollment monitoring, a temporary free-meals period and progress on safety, technology and capital projects funded by the 2023 bond.
Utica Community Schools leaders told the Board of Education on Sept. 15, 2025 that the 2025–26 school year opened with strong momentum and outlined priorities tied to the district—UCS Empowered Strategic Plan.
Mr. Monroe, Superintendent of Schools, said the district will focus on improving outcomes for all students, accelerating growth for students with specialized needs and providing staff resources and structures to support instruction. District leaders said they will analyze data and work with teachers in the coming months to develop targeted interventions.
Mark Dziatczak, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, reviewed professional learning efforts and curriculum updates including new Chemistry and Physics courses, expanded Visual Arts offerings and adoption of K–5 Core Knowledge Language Arts materials. William Holbrook, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Employee Services, reported enrollment and staff population overviews and explained that meals are being provided at no cost in September; he said state-level negotiations may change that program and the district has pledged 30 additional days of free meals if a state program is discontinued. Holbrook also encouraged families to complete the Free & Reduced Meal application and to consult the Nutrislice app for menus and dietary information.
Dr. Michael Bender, Chief of Staff, summarized safety and security improvements underway — classroom alert systems, door hardware upgrades, pedestrian safety and dedicated elementary bus loops — and provided updates on bond-funded technology projects. According to the presentation, all secondary schools have completed the listed classroom audio and interactive-projector installations; elementary work is approximately 25% complete and is scheduled to be 100% complete by June 2026. Capital improvements mentioned include playground replacements, reconstruction at DeKeyser Elementary and site work at Schuchard and Switzer Elementary schools.
The Board accepted these reports as part of the Welcome Back presentation and moved on to business items on the agenda.
