The Utica City School District’s mission is to ensure that all students succeed and are well-rounded, with knowledge, skills, and character to be productive members of society.

The District’s vision is that students can reach their goals and find academic success through a variety of pathways and with different levels of support. 

About the Utica City School District:

The Utica City School District serves a community of approximately 64,500 city residents in an urban and multi- cultural environment with a current enrollment of roughly 9,644 students in its 13 schools -- Proctor High School, Donovan Middle School, JFK Middle School and 10 elementary schools. The District’s greatest asset is its diversity, with more than 50 languages spoken and 16% of students being English language learners. 

Elementary -  The District’s elementary schools integrate a vibrant curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas, aligning with the New York State Learning Standards. The District is also investing in the realignment of math goals, instruction and curriculum to focus on research-based best practices in mathematics that are proven to increase student performance outcomes. In all subject areas, there is an understanding that developing foundational skills will support students in bridging gaps in learning. Students are provided with a well-rounded curriculum focused on fostering academic and social/emotional competencies that will carry them through their academic career.

Middle School -  The focus at the District’s middle schools is to ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities to successfully transition from elementary to high school. Both middle schools offer opportunities for students to succeed at every learning level, with dedicated classes for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as honors/advanced studies. The Family and Career Sciences and Technology programs have incorporated science, technology, engineering and math topics into each curriculum to help prepare students for the Career and Technical Education opportunities available at the high school.

High School - Proctor High School provides numerous avenues for students to achieve the District’s vision. This is accomplished through supportive and adaptive special education and English language learner programming, a robust honors and Advanced Placement curriculum, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University’s Project Advance. The District most recently embarked upon a groundbreaking initiative working with community and business partners to create innovative Career and Technical Education programming for its high school students. Proctor’s Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art and drama programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities and athletics, offer additional avenues to showcase students’ talents and interests and support them throughout their school experience.

The Director of Fine Arts, Library Media, and Special Areas (K-12) reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and is responsible for the administration and supervision of every facet of the District’s Fine Arts and Library Media programming and other special areas as assigned. The primary purpose is to coordinate activities, supervise instruction, administer budget, and direct the curriculum of the music, theater arts, and non-athletic extracurricular programs for the Utica City School District in grades K-12. This also includes monitoring classroom instruction, management of curriculum, implementation of professional development, as well as planning and coordination of all activities and events in these areas.

Duties and Responsibilities (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position): 

Instructional and Program Management: 

1. Direct the development, evaluation, revision and alignment of fine arts curriculum K-12 in the areas of instrumental music, vocal music, visual art, drama/theater and nonathletic extracurricular activities.
2. Direct the development, evaluation, revision and alignment of curriculum of Library Media K-12. This includes but is not limited to prioritization of and alignment to locally and state adopted standards, curriculum mapping and design, development and alignment of assessments, etc.
3. Develop and implement a plan to create and institute a fully functioning school district marching band.
4. Serve as the District contact on all non-athletic, extracurricular matters.
5. Direct, organize and coordinate the development of new and/or innovative fine arts and library media programs for the District.
6. Work with all fine arts teachers, library media and non-athletic extracurricular activities advisors on educational and administrative procedural needs of their programs.  
7. Develop and maintain an inventory of all fine arts and library media equipment for each school in the District.
8. Assist in making travel arrangements for all fine arts, library media and non-athletic student groups, as required.
9. Plan and manage District-wide fine arts, library media and non-athletic extracurricular events and activities.
10. Arrange for staff development, workshops, clinics, and staff meetings designed to revise and align curriculum, assessments and to improve instruction.
11. Review and evaluate latest developments in the fine arts and library media curriculum
12. Work with district staff to coordinate, plan and promote district-wide activities including but not limited to annual fine arts events.
13. Coordinate and assist in the development of the district-wide events calendar.
14. Management and oversight of programming for Home Instruction
    1. Includes homebound medical student and suspended students (including those assigned to the Raiders Learning Academy, after school suspension programs or to a virtual learning program, etc.).
    2. Coordinating with the medical department to secure authorization for homebound medical requests
    3. Coordinating the enrollment of students into these programs
    4. Recruitment and oversight of home instruction tutors
    5. Working with principals to ensure that lessons, classwork and instruction is being provided for students
    6. Maintains enrollment and program records
    7. Preparation and submission of monthly reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
15. Attendance at district and school concerts, productions and events.
16. Coordinate programs and services related to this position through the local BOCES

Policy, Reports, and Law: 

1. Enforce all state policies governing extracurricular events and participation.
2. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, New York State Commissioner’s Regulations, and local board policy.
3. Compile, maintain, and present all physical and computerized reports, records and other documents required.

Budget: 

1. Work with building principals regarding fine arts and library media budgets, purchasing and scheduling.
2. Develop and monitor all budgets in the fine arts, library media and non-athletic extracurricular areas.
3. Prepare specifications for fine arts bids and supervise the purchase of fine arts and library media materials and equipment.
4. Assist in the development, monitoring and implementation of programming and service agreements related to this position with the local BOCES 

Personnel Management: 

1. Assist with recruitment and training of fine arts and library media personnel.
2. Assist with the implementation of the designated teacher appraisal system.

Community Relations: 

1. Demonstrate use of appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
2. Articulate the district's mission, instructional philosophy, and curriculum implementation strategies to the community and solicit its support in realizing the district's mission.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of district - community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
4. All other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools and/or the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. 

*All interested candidates must apply through our online platform: https://uticaschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

The Utica City School District will only accept applications through this site. Please note, you must create an online account in order to apply. If you have questions relating to the application process, please contact Chief Human Resources Officer, Sara Klimek at sklimek@uticaschools.org. *

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Candidate must possess a valid New York State certificate as School District Leader or Administrator;
• Five years experience as a teacher, school building leader and/or Central Office Administrator preferred; and, 
• Leadership responsibility in an area of fine arts preferred.

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

• Ability to develop and manage programs and budgets 
• Knowledge of overall operations of music, art, theater, and non-athletic extracurricular programs 
• Must possess strong leadership, public relations, interpersonal and communication skills 
• Knowledge of state policies governing extracurricular events and participation 
• Ability to manage budget and personnel 
• Ability to coordinate district functions 
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data 

To apply for this position, please click the link below: 

Director of Fine Arts, Library Media and Special Areas (K-12)

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer which fully and actively supports equal access for all regardless of Race, Color, Weight, National Origin, Ethnic Group, Religion, Religious Practice, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Age, Veteran Status or Genetic Information.

About Utica City School District

The Utica City School District is a NYS Public School serving children grades K-12. The District strives for academic excellence while meeting its diverse population's needs. The Utica City School District is home to students from all over the world. We have approximately 43 different languages spoken throughout our thirteen schools. We are composed of 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school that is in the process of expanding a full CTE wing. Employee candidates tend to be drawn to UCSD because of its rich culture, welcoming environment, and geographic proximity to the Adirondacks.

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