May 18, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Utica’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary Selected as a Positive Outlier in NYKids 2025-26 Statewide Study
University at Albany research team to visit MLK on June 2 and June 3
to study what drives the school's exceptional student outcomes
UTICA, NY—The Utica City School District is proud to announce that Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School has been selected by NYKids, a research initiative housed within the School of Education at the University at Albany, as a positive outlier, joining an elite group of New York State elementary schools recognized for achieving student outcomes that exceed statistical predictions for the populations they serve.
NYKids identifies positive outliers using three years of state assessment data in English Language Arts and Math, together with chronic absenteeism rates, adjusted for student demographics. Schools whose outcomes meaningfully exceed statistical predictions for similar populations earn the designation. NYKids has conducted these studies since 2004 with the goal of identifying and sharing the practices behind outstanding student outcomes across New York's PK-12 schools.
"The Utica City School District is setting the standard for excellence in New York public education, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary's selection by NYKids reflects that," said Superintendent Dr. Christopher Spence."Our schools are doing work that researchers and educators across the state are watching closely, and what is happening at MLK is going to help shape the future of elementary education across New York. We are proud to lead, and we are grateful to the educators, students, and families across the district who are making this work possible."
"This recognition belongs to every teacher, every staff member, and every family who shows up for our students at MLK," said Principal Jennie Sikora."Our students bring incredible strength and stories to school every day, and the educators here meet them with the highest expectations and a deep belief in what they can do. To have NYKids researchers come into our classrooms and study what is working at MLK is a tremendous honor, and we are proud to share our practices with schools across New York State."
As part of the 2025-26 NYKids Elementary School Positive Outlier Study, a research team from the University at Albany will visit MLK on June 2 and June 3 to conduct document reviews, interviews, and focus groups with district leaders, school administrators, teachers, and support staff. The case study will examine four areas central to elementary school success: mental health and social-emotional well-being, academic readiness and performance, educator workforce excellence, and family and community engagement.
Aaron Leo, NYKids researcher, University at Albany, said of the MLK recognition, “Our team is looking forward to visiting MLK Elementary School this spring to learn how educators support their students and families. We are thrilled that MLK is taking part in our current study, given their diverse population and the remarkable outcomes that they demonstrate.”
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