Urbana High School Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Urbana High School has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, district governance, speech and debate advocacy, and institutional leadership.

Committed to fostering a collaborative educational environment, Urbana High School prioritizes community engagement and student success through equitable programs and comprehensive academic support for all families.

Leadership Roles at Urbana High School

  • District 3 President - Christi Fernsberg
  • Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter - Jaden Shia
  • President - Paul Poulosky
  • Chief Information Officer - John Gutzmer
  • Christi Fernsberg - District 3 President

    Christi Fernsberg, the District 3 President at Urbana High School, governs the strategic direction and policy framework for the local educational community. Representing the interests of families and students, the District 3 President facilitates board meetings and ensures that district initiatives align with the core mission of fostering student success. Christi Fernsberg monitors the allocation of resources for extracurricular activities, including music and culinary arts, while advocating for equitable funding across all school programs. By engaging with community stakeholders, the District 3 President builds consensus on critical educational issues and long-term planning. This leadership role requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for robust health services and academic support systems. Through active oversight of district policies, the District 3 President secures the foundation for future leadership, ensuring that every student receives the necessary guidance to achieve academic excellence within the Urbana area.

    Jaden Shia - Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter

    Jaden Shia, the Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter at Urbana High School, architects the competitive speech and debate program to enhance student communication and critical thinking skills. By organizing regional tournaments and training sessions, the Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter cultivates an environment where students develop persuasive rhetoric and analytical prowess. Jaden Shia manages the recruitment of participants and coordinates with faculty advisors to integrate debate activities into the broader extracurricular landscape. This leadership role involves securing funding for travel and competition fees, ensuring that all interested students have the opportunity to participate regardless of financial background. Through the promotion of intellectual discourse, the Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter strengthens the district's commitment to academic excellence. By fostering a culture of rigorous preparation and public speaking, the program prepares students for future leadership roles in diverse professional fields.

    Paul Poulosky - President

    Paul Poulosky, the President at Urbana High School, provides executive oversight for the entire educational institution, driving the overarching mission of student success and community engagement. Coordinating with the board and administrative leadership, the President establishes the strategic vision for academic programs, including multilingual education and special education services. Paul Poulosky manages the district's operational health, ensuring that resources are effectively distributed to support registration, health services, and extracurricular activities. By fostering a culture of equity and inclusion, the President guides the district toward achieving its long-term goals for student development. This leadership role involves navigating complex educational challenges and maintaining strong relationships with local families and community partners. Through the implementation of rigorous academic standards and supportive policies, the President ensures that the institution remains a pillar of excellence, preparing every student for a successful future within the broader Urbana community and beyond.

    John Gutzmer - Chief Information Officer

    John Gutzmer, the Chief Information Officer at Urbana High School, directs the digital infrastructure and technological integration across the district. Managing the secure deployment of educational software and hardware, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the necessary tools for modern learning. John Gutzmer oversees the implementation of data privacy protocols, safeguarding sensitive information while supporting the district's multilingual and special education initiatives. By optimizing network performance and classroom connectivity, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless access to digital resources. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with administrative staff to align technology investments with long-term academic goals. Through the modernization of internal systems, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency, ultimately empowering the entire Urbana community to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape while maintaining a focus on equitable access to high-quality educational technology.
    John Gutzmer

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Urbana High School Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Urbana High School?
    Urbana High School is led by Christi Fernsberg (District 3 President), along with executives such as Jaden Shia (Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter) and Paul Poulosky (President).
    Who is part of Urbana High School’s executive team?
    The executive team of Urbana High School includes leaders such as Christi Fernsberg (District 3 President), Jaden Shia (Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter), Paul Poulosky (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Urbana High School have?
    Urbana High School has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Urbana High School’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Urbana High School includes roles such as District 3 President, Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter, President, Chief Information Officer.