Middletown City School Board elects Chris Urso president, names Anita Schibert vice president and confirms committee assignments

The Middletown City School Board elected Chris Urso as board president for 2025 and Anita Schibert as vice president during its organizational meeting on Jan. 13. The nominations were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Urso, speaking after his election, thanked colleagues and emphasized the seriousness of the role, saying he “want[ed] to just clearly articulate how important I take this responsibility.” Board members recounted nearly a decade of shared service and congratulated the officers.

The board then reviewed and confirmed committee assignments for 2025, including policy, finance and district leadership teams, and appointed a member to serve on the Butler Technology and Career Development Boards of Education. A motion to appoint the Butler Tech representative was moved, seconded and approved.

Members also approved routine organizational memberships — including the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA), the local Chamber of Commerce, the OSBA Legal Assistance Fund and the Ohio Education Policy Institute — after brief discussion of those groups’ support roles.

The board adopted a package of standing resolutions that delegate routine administrative authorities, including allowing the treasurer to receive tax advances, bonding requirements and authority to hire staff and pay them for up to 45 days prior to board approval. The resolutions were approved as a block vote.

The organizational meeting adjourned and the board immediately convened its regular work session.