Community members gathered Wednesday evening at the Urbana High School Auditorium for a public meet-and-greet with the finalists for Urbana City Schools’ next superintendent. Residents had the opportunity to meet each candidate individually and ask questions throughout the event, with finalists appearing at designated times during the evening.
Carla Shaw
Shaw currently serves as assistant superintendent for London City Schools and brings experience as a former high school assistant principal, virtual programs director, physical education teacher, coach, and student-athlete.
She told attendees her background in both academics and athletics has shaped her leadership style, which she said is rooted in teamwork, accountability, and building strong relationships. Her goals include putting an emphasis on visibility, communication, and community involvement.
Shaw said she believes Urbana is a “very special district” and told attendees that building strong relationships with staff, students, and families would begin before the school year starts through public events, school functions, and regular meetings. She also noted that as a wife and mother of two, she understands the importance of trust and communication between schools and families.
Shaw said she would prioritize staff input by gathering feedback and involving employees in the district’s planning process, while also maintaining a strong relationship with the teachers’ union through consistent communication. She added that she plans to be highly present in school buildings, working closely with students, staff, and program coordinators—including special education teachers—to improve learning environments and address facility needs.
When discussing leadership and decision-making, Shaw said she would rely on data before making difficult decisions, with students remaining the top priority. She also noted that she would measure her success not by wins or losses, but by whether staff and community members feel the district is moving in a positive direction.
Dr. Katina Childers
Childers currently serves as high school principal and superintendent designee for New Lebanon Local Schools and brings experience in educational leadership, technology, and classroom instruction. She told attendees her career has included roles as an academic technology director, assistant principal, and teacher, giving her experience at multiple levels of education.
Childers says she will be focusing on transparency, consistency, and community connection. She said Urbana’s values and expectations align closely with her own, adding that one of her guiding principles is to “reveal the why behind the what,” meaning she believes in clearly explaining decisions and the reasoning behind them. Her main priority, she said, would be getting the district aligned around a shared vision, creating a clear strategic plan, and following through without unexpected changes.
She told attendees that it includes being transparent about district spending, using data intentionally to create measurable goals, and fostering an environment where both students and staff can succeed. Childers also noted her background as a former union president, saying it gave her an appreciation for maintaining strong relationships with teachers and understanding both sides of the table.
In discussing community engagement, Childers said she plans to be visible in school buildings multiple days each week and hopes to strengthen ties between the district and community by hosting events such as holiday activities and craft shows, while also attending events throughout Urbana.
Dr. Amy Boston
Boston currently serves as senior director of teaching and learning for Circleville City Schools and has held prior roles as an elementary principal, assistant principal, curriculum director, and teacher in multiple Ohio districts. She emphasized collaboration, visibility, and shared leadership, and shared long-term family ties have shaped her belief in strong relationships and community connections in schools.
She said she plans to begin with a “Listen & Learn” tour to gather input from staff, students, and community members, while maintaining a strong presence in school buildings. Boston added she would work closely with the teachers union, use facility and program audits to guide decisions, and build a shared vision with all stakeholders.
Describing her leadership style as “a tight grip on loose reins,” Boston said she believes in setting clear expectations while allowing staff to lead their own work. She added that her focus is on creating a safe, welcoming environment where students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
The district also conducted final interviews separately on Wednesday as part of the last stage of the superintendent selection process. Officials are now expected to review feedback from the interview sessions, along with community input and candidate evaluations, before making a final decision. A selection is anticipated in the coming days.
