Meet Utica's New Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Spence

The Utica City School District introduced their new Superintendent of Schools on Wednesday, during an interview on WIBX's Keeler Show.

Dr. Christopher Spence talked about his initial 100-day plan to get to know the district after spending his first full week as Superintendent last week.

"It is a privilege to serve as the next superintendent of schools for the Utica City School District! Throughout the interview process, I have learned more about the points of pride within the district and the larger community. I am eager to join this community as we build upon our previous successes and forge a path forward toward continuous and sustainable improvement. It became clear during the interview process that the Board of Education and the broader community believe much attention is owed to student achievement and outcomes, evidenced by the $65 million capital improvement project, the System of Care framework, and our dedicated faculty and staff," Spence said in the introduction of his 100-day plan.

He told WIBX that the wrong thing to do would be to come in and start making changes without getting to know the district, as well as its students and staff.

"I have dedicated my first 100 days, from August 5th to November 13th, 2024, to engaging with stakeholders and conducting a critical assessment of our district. My goal is to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders while gaining a holistic understanding of the status of our district in key areas: systems and organization, school leadership, curriculum, instruction, social-emotional learning,parent and community engagement, and district finances."

Watch the interview below with Dr. Spence, and Board President Joe Hobika.

Read Dr. Spence's entire 100-day startup plan below

attachment-Dr. Spence 100-Day Entry Plan -- August 2024 - December 2024

9 New Favorites from the New Menu at Utica's 72 Tavern and Grill

The 72 Tavern and Grill, a Utica, NY sports bar and restaurant connected to the Adirondack Bank Center, has now re-opened after an 18-month COVID-19 shutdown. The grand reopening has featured previous favorites from the previous menu, and some new updated menu items. Here are photos taken by photographer Nancy L. Ford of some of our favorites tasted during the restaurant's soft opening.

Gallery Credit: Bill Keeler

From A To Z- Chicken Riggies You Need To Try In 2024 Central New York

These are just a few of the riggies that you can try in Central New York, from A to Z. What restaurant serves up your favorites?

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

17 Amazing Vintage Utica, NY Collectables Selling Right Now on Ebay

Check out these very unique and vintage Utica, NY, created collectables that are for sale right now on Ebay. These items could make for unique holiday gift ideas. Prices range from $999 to $38.75 an there are links back to Ebay for each item.

Gallery Credit: Bill Keeler

61 Amazing Snapshots of Utica's Most Unique Boilermaker Ever

The 2021 Utica Boilermaker Road Race will go down in the history books as one of the most unique, with an all-vaccinated field running the 5K and 15K on October 10th, without elite runners, and with thousands of regular participants sitting this one out because of COVID. The excitement this year was special and exclusive and there was no shortage of it, as seen through the lens of award winning photo-journalist Nancy L. Ford of Utica. Here are 61 awesome photos featuring some of the best moments from this year's race.

Gallery Credit: Bill Keeler