Board of Education Meeting Information for May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Seven Utica Schools Awarded Laura Bush Foundation Grants to Expand Library Collections
UCSD Schools Receive $35,000 in National Library Funding
UTICA, NY—Seven schools within the Utica City School District (UCSD) have been awarded grants through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, a national program that supports school libraries and literacy initiatives across the country. Each selected school received a $5,000 grant, totaling $35,000 in funding for UCSD schools.
The following schools were selected as grant recipients:
- Sakola SD John F. Hughes
- SD Kernan
- Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
- Sakola SD Watson Williams
- Sénator James H. Donovan Sakola Tengah
- Thomas R. Proctor Sakola Luhur
The grants will help participating schools update and diversify their book collections while expanding student access to print and digital library resources.
This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded more than $1 million in library grants to 220 schools across 38 states. Schools receiving funding were selected through an application process focused on supporting libraries serving high-needs student populations and expanding access to reading materials and learning resources. UCSD submitted applications for schools across the district, with seven schools ultimately receiving awards.
“Access to books and strong school libraries can have a lasting impact on a student’s educational attainment and life trajectory. We remain committed to expanding opportunity structures and access to high-quality academic experiences. This work aligns with our broader initiatives, such as our Raiders’ Extended Day learning program and Literacy Boxes, which are structurally embedded within and across our communities. Utica-United: Every Student, Every Day. ” said Utica City School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Spence. “We are proud to see seven UCSD schools recognized through this national grant program. These funds will help create more opportunities for students to explore new interests, strengthen reading skills, and develop a deeper connection to learning.”
Chief Accountability Officer Rex Germer, who coordinated the district’s grant applications, said the funding will help schools continue building library collections that better reflect student interests and learning needs.
“School libraries play an important role in supporting literacy, curiosity, and student engagement,” Germer said. “This funding gives our schools an opportunity to continue updating collections and expanding access to books and resources that connect with students in meaningful ways.”
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries was established in 2002 and supports schools across the country in updating and expanding library collections. Since its creation, the foundation has awarded more than $24 million to over 4,200 schools nationwide.
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