The following is a press release from Urbana City Schools:
The Urbana City School District Board of Education has announced it is beginning the search for a new superintendent following the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Charles Thiel.
Thiel will retire on July 31, 2026, after serving the district for 29 years.
District leaders say the selection of a new superintendent is a critical step for the future of Urbana City Schools and are committing to a thorough and transparent hiring process that reflects community values. To assist with the search, the Board of Education has contracted with K-12 Business Consulting, citing the firm’s strong track record and emphasis on community engagement. Consultants Deb Campbell and Kathy Lowery will work directly with the board throughout the process.
Board President Taylor Armstrong emphasized the importance of the search, saying the board’s top priority is a competitive hiring process. Armstrong added the board is pleased to partner with Campbell, Lowery, and the K-12 Business Consulting team in identifying the district’s next leader.
Community input will play a key role in the selection process. On March 4, K-12 consultants will spend the day in the district holding multiple sessions with staff, students, and community members to gather feedback on the district and the qualities stakeholders want to see in the next superintendent. Following those meetings, K-12 will compile a comprehensive report to help guide the board’s decision-making. The report will be shared with staff, the community, and potential candidates and is scheduled for release at the March 25, 2026, Board of Education meeting.
The superintendent position will be posted from February 9 through April 6. First- and second-round interviews are scheduled for April 22, 23, and 29. Once the board selects two to three finalists, a public meet-and-greet will be held on April 29, giving staff and community members an opportunity to meet the candidates.
Additional information about the superintendent search will be available beginning February 9 on the Urbana City Schools website and the K-12 Business Consulting website.
