The Urbana City Schools Board of Education met in regular session Tuesday night, where district leaders reported a new and troubling certainty: the district will fall below Ohio’s 20-mill floor for school funding due to recent legislative changes. Administrators warned that the shift will reduce local revenue and intensify financial challenges already facing the district, concerns heightened by voters’ rejection of the 0.75% income tax levy on November 4.
District officials said falling below the 20-mill floor will trigger state adjustments, but the immediate impact is a tightening financial outlook heading into 2026 budget planning.
In that same election, two new board members were elected: Nate Long and Drew Sponheim.
Sponheim, a local business owner and active community volunteer, has emphasized fiscal responsibility and believes strong schools strengthen the entire community. Long, a former educator and owner of Long Road CrossFit, says he hopes to bring leadership and teamwork experience to the board as it enters a crucial financial period.
Superintendent Charles Thiel offers statements on both of the topics above.
Board Accepts Community Donations
The board approved several donations supporting PBIS programs, athletics, the lunchroom, and Urbana High School:
- Urbana Elementary PBIS: $75 from Daniel Kaffenbarger, Alana Inskeep & Jason Randolph
- Urbana High School PBIS: $1,150 from Civista Bank, Bundy Baking Solutions, and Sarica
- Athletic Department: $161 from Matt Lingrell
- UHS Cheerleading: $120 from 672 & Co.
- Urbana High School: $1,024.36 from OhioPyle Prints and Shutterfly
- District Lunchroom: $500 from Shirley Shokouhi
- Urbana Elementary PBIS: In-kind donation valued at $225 from Patrick & Polly Trenor
Resignations Approved
The board accepted the following resignations:
- Theresa Nelson, Bus Driver – effective Nov. 7, 2025
- Nathan Balis, Maintenance Director – effective Nov. 30, 2025
- Patrick Trenor, Head Boys Tennis Coach – effective immediately
- Thomas Russell, Head Boys Golf Coach – effective immediately
Volunteers and Coaches for 2025–26
A full list of athletic volunteers was approved across girls’ bowling, boys’ and girls’ basketball, swimming, baseball, and junior high sports.
Additional personnel approvals included:
Certified Coach
Joanne Petty – Assistant Junior High Girls Basketball, Step 1
After-School Tutors (Junior High)
- Audrey Lightle
- Shane Souders
- Ellen Theodor
Classified Staff
Talan Simsa – Custodian, effective Nov. 10, 2025
Non-Certified Coaches
- Timothy LaBarge – Assistant Baseball
- Tim Sidders – Assistant Junior High Wrestling
Student Trips Approved
The board authorized two upcoming trips, pending final travel plan approval:
- UHS Cheerleading – NHSCC Championship in Orlando, January 28–February 2, 2026
- UHS Baseball – Somerset, Kentucky, March 13–16, 2026
- Urbana Junior High – Kirkmont, Zanesville, Ohio, May 4–8, 2026
