UTICA, Mich. – The superintendent of Utica Community Schools has announced she’s retiring this fall. “I’m 100% confident that we will do as good a job as is humanly possible under these circumstances,” said Utica School Board president Bob Ross. “I think it’s been time for a new leadership, so I’m looking forward to better collaboration with between the Association and the district,” said Utica Education Association president Liza Parkinson. “There was a tremendous amount of friction between the Utica Education Association and the superintendent,” Parkinson said. The school board said they’ll hire an interim superintendent for the upcoming 2020-21 school year while they begin a nationwide search for Johns’ replacement.

UTICA, Mich. – On Monday a contract agreement was ratified between Utica Community Schools and the Utica Education Association. The new agreement with the 1,450 UCS teachers runs through June 30, 2022. The Director of School and Community Relations Tim McAvoy released the following statement:"Today, a contract agreement was ratified between Utica Community Schools (UCS) and the Utica Education Association (UEA). The new agreement with the 1,450 UCS teachers runs through June 30, 2022 and provides stability for the school district, allowing them to focus on the needs of their students. Across our community, teachers, staff members, and district leaders have embodied leadership and service in the midst of a very difficult time.