UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Students are entering their second semester of classes in Utica but it is the first day of school for new superintendent Jim Willis.

Willis, who served as assistant superintendent at a Long Island district prior to his move to Central New York says he will bring management skills given his experience in the private sector, military and public sector.

His experience as an educator, both as a former teacher and administrator, he feels are strengths that will reflect on the district.

Former Superintendent Marilyn Skermont met with Willis at around 8:00 a.m. and plans to meet heads of school departments throughout the afternoon.

Willis enters a district with eight schools in good standing according to state records, but several such as Thomas R. Proctor High School, John F. Kennedy Middle School and Donovan Middle School in need of improvement.

Aside from academic concerns, Willis will have to overlook the district's near two hundred million dollar capital project.

"You have to stay on top of that every single week because you are talking about serious amounts of money 188 million dollars, not only a year from now but are we on track next month, 6 months out that type of stuff."

Tomorrow he will begin touring each of the schools as the transition process continues.