The Urbana City School District Board of Education met in regular session Wednesday evening, March 26, and addressed several key items, including welcoming a new board member and reviewing progress in the search for the district’s next superintendent.
During the meeting, Dr. Daniel Kaffenbarger was officially sworn in as the newest member of the Board. He was appointed during a special meeting on March 10 to fill a vacant seat. A lifelong resident of Urbana and a 1975 graduate of Urbana High School, Kaffenbarger brings more than four decades of experience in education, having served as a superintendent, principal, teacher, and coach. In his application, he noted his desire to give back to the school system that helped launch his career.
Kaffenbarger speaks about what made him apply for the vacancy.
The Board also reorganized leadership, electing Drew Sponheim as Vice President and Darrell Thomas as President.
Members received a report from K-12 Business Consulting on the superintendent search, which included feedback from 91 survey responses and 105 participants in focus groups and community meetings.
Overall, stakeholders agreed that the district’s strengths include its small-town atmosphere, strong community pride, dedicated teachers, quality facilities, and a focus on student success.
Key concerns included uncertainty around state funding and the need for levy support, improving staff morale, expanding academic opportunities, strengthening community trust, and maintaining fair student discipline.
Stakeholders said the next superintendent should be a visible, student-centered leader with strong communication skills who can build relationships, make tough decisions, and understand the values of a small-town community.
Consultants noted the district is entering a period of transition, and the next leader will be critical in addressing financial challenges while continuing to build on student success.
Current superintendent Charles Thiel discusses what he learned from the presentation.
In other business, the Board approved several donations:
- $60.44 to the Urbana High School French Club from Kroger Rewards
- $750 to the Urbana High School Musical from KTH and Phil Edwards
- $500 to Urbana High School Academic Awards from multiple donors
- $50 to the Urbana High School Band from Bellefontaine Music Parents
- $2,800 to Urbana High School Baseball from the Ramjets, Urbana Athletic Boosters, and Josh Wingfield
- $2,132.68 to the Urbana Athletic Department from Urbana Athletic Boosters
The Board also approved several upcoming student trips, pending final travel arrangements:
- Urbana High School DECA to the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, April 25–30
- Urbana High School FFA to the Ohio FFA Convention in Columbus, April 30–May 1
- Urbana High School Boys Soccer to a team camp at Ashland University, July 17–19
The meeting highlighted both the district’s strong community foundation and the important decisions ahead as leaders continue the search for Urbana’s next superintendent.
The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for April 22nd.
