Urbana High School Executive and Leadership Team

Christi Fernsberg, the District 3 President at Urbana High School, governs the policy framework and community engagement initiatives within the local educational jurisdiction. The District 3 President facilitates board meetings and ensures that district-wide decisions align with the mission of fostering student success and equity. By representing the interests of families and residents, the District 3 President shapes the strategic direction of academic programs and extracurricular offerings. Christi Fernsberg collaborates with other board members to oversee budget allocations and resource distribution, ensuring that the district maintains high standards for health services and academic support. This leadership position requires constant interaction with community stakeholders to address concerns and promote transparency in governance. Through the active oversight of district policies, the District 3 President secures the long-term viability of educational programs, directly impacting the quality of instruction and the overall environment for students throughout the Urbana area.

Paul Poulosky, the President at Urbana High School, provides executive oversight for the entire educational institution and its strategic initiatives. The President manages the alignment of district goals with the broader mission of community engagement and academic excellence. By coordinating with the board and administrative staff, the President ensures that programs such as special education and multilingual services receive the necessary support to thrive. Paul Poulosky drives the implementation of equity-focused policies that prepare students for future success in a competitive global landscape. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for high-quality extracurricular activities, including music and culinary arts. Through the continuous evaluation of institutional performance, the President maintains a focus on student outcomes and organizational growth. By fostering a collaborative culture among faculty and staff, the President creates a stable environment where academic support and student development remain the primary objectives of the district.

Jaden Shia, the Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter at Urbana High School, architects the competitive academic programming that enhances student communication and critical thinking skills. The Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter manages the recruitment, training, and tournament participation of students within the speech and debate circuit. By organizing rigorous practice schedules and securing resources for regional competitions, the Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter ensures that participants develop the rhetorical abilities necessary for future leadership. Jaden Shia collaborates with faculty advisors to integrate these extracurricular activities into the broader educational mission of the district. This role involves managing team logistics and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity among the student body. Through the expansion of competitive opportunities, the Founder & President, National Speech & Debate Association Chapter directly contributes to the district's goal of preparing students for success by building confidence and analytical expertise.

John Gutzmer, the Chief Information Officer at Urbana High School, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the district. The Chief Information Officer manages the integration of educational software and hardware across all classrooms to enhance student learning outcomes. By overseeing the secure maintenance of student data and network reliability, the Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and staff possess the necessary tools for effective instruction. John Gutzmer also coordinates with administrative leadership to implement scalable solutions that support the district's commitment to equity and future-ready education. This role involves managing complex vendor relationships and optimizing the allocation of technical resources to meet the evolving needs of the Urbana community. Through the strategic deployment of modern digital platforms, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless communication between the school and families, ultimately driving operational efficiency and academic support across the entire district.