Utica City School District Has a New Leader

Bruce Karam, the interim superintendent of the school district is now named the official superintendent.

Kenneth Newman, an assistant superintendent of Monticello Central School District was the other potential candidate.

Louis LaPolla, the Vice President of the Utica City School Board said the district needs someone who has steady leadership roles in education and someone who is dedicated and committed.

"And that is Bruce Karam. He knows the District and we know Bruce Karam," says LaPolla.

The school board meeting was opened to the public. Community members who attended said they have high expectations of the new school leader.

Utica Resident, Roy Duhart said, "I would like for my children to be able to experience positive things and live in this community and be anywhere in the world and be successful."

Current faculty members also attended.

"The superintendent, he has to find a way not to make cuts. They keep saying if we lose funding, they will cut jobs. But, all that is going to do is hurt the kids even more, said Joanne Dinardo, a teacher's assistant in the school district.

The school board's President Chris Salintino said Mr. Karam will serve a term of five years and his position will be effective immediately.