The Urbana City Schools Board of Education met in regular session Wednesday evening, with major announcements involving district leadership, recognition of longtime board members, and a wide range of approvals covering donations, personnel matters, and upcoming student activities.
Superintendent Announces Retirement
Superintendent Charles Thiel has announced that he will retire effective July 31, 2026, concluding a 29-year career with Urbana City Schools, including 17 years as superintendent. His tenure ranks as the fourth longest in the district’s 176-year history.
Thiel reflected on his time with the district, noting the fulfillment he found in working alongside the community to construct new school facilities and thanking past and present board members for their support. Board leadership praised Thiel’s vision and steady leadership, highlighting his role in guiding the district through facility construction, levy campaigns, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Board members also noted his visible presence at school events and his long-standing commitment to students and staff.
The Board of Education indicated that the search process for the district’s next superintendent will begin in the coming weeks, with updates to be shared as plans move forward.
Thiel provided further comment on coming to the decision to retire and what the start of the process to fill his role looks like.
Board Members Recognized for Service
The board also honored two outgoing members, Jim Arter and Amy Paul, for their years of service to the district.
Arter was recognized for 16 years on the Board of Education, during which he advocated for fiscal responsibility, educational excellence, and community engagement. In his remarks, Arter reflected on more than six decades connected to public education, including time spent both in the classroom and on the board.
Paul was honored for eight years of service, with fellow board members recognizing her collaborative approach and student-centered leadership. Paul expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized the importance of teamwork and shared commitment in achieving success for students.
Superintendent Thiel thanked both Arter and Paul for the countless hours they devoted to the district, noting their lasting impact on Urbana City Schools.
Both outgoing members talked about what they would remember most about serving Urbana City Schools.
Filling their positions on the board will be Drew Sponheim and Nate Long.
The following are additional items approved at the meeting:
Donations Approved
During the meeting, the board approved several donations supporting programs across the district, including:
- $14,406.84 from the Urbana Athletic Boosters to the Athletic Department for baseball, softball, track, and girls soccer.
- $10,600 to the Urbana Band from VFW Spriggs Wing Post #544, Robert and Alice Huelsman, and Lanning Moldaur.
- $134 to Urbana Junior High from Kona Ice.
- $500 to Urbana High School PBIS from Pan-Glo.
- $1,000 to Urbana High School NHS from the Urbana Athletic Boosters.
- An in-kind donation valued at $290 to Urbana Elementary from Eugene Fields.
- $11,422.17 to Urbana City Schools from the Georgine E. Bates Memorial Fund.
- $3,500 to the Urbana City Schools Backpack Program from Civista Bank and the Rex Ponn Foundation.
Trip Approval
The board approved a trip for Urbana FFA students to attend the Ohio FFA Leadership Conference in Columbus on January 17–18, 2026.
Personnel Changes
Several personnel actions were approved during the meeting. John Deere was appointed Maintenance Director, effective January 5, 2026.
The board accepted the resignation of Carleton Cotner as Head High School Football Coach, effective December 1, 2025.
The board also approved the non-renewal of the following coaching contracts under the negotiated agreement with UACT:
- Gunnar Lanning, Assistant High School Football Coach
- Timmy Melvin, Assistant High School Football Coach
- Kai Scott, Assistant High School Football Coach
- Justin Cain, Assistant High School Football Coach
- Zack Michael, Assistant Junior High Football Coach
- Timmy Sidders, Assistant Junior High Football Coach
- Annalise Forman, Freshman Volleyball Coach
- Ciara Walton, Assistant High School Football Cheerleading Coach
The resignation of Mark Feink, teacher, was approved effective January 14, 2026.
Administrative Contracts Approved
The board approved three-year administrative contracts for the following individuals:
- Nathan Sever, effective August 1, 2026
- Anthony Grigsby, effective August 1, 2026
- Melanie Anders, effective August 1, 2026
- Kelli Marsh, effective August 1, 2026
- Kurt Hanson, effective July 1, 2026
The meeting concluded with board members emphasizing appreciation for staff, community partners, and volunteers whose support continues to benefit Urbana City Schools.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026.
