Urbana and St. Paris, Ohio - May 29, 2026 - Urbana City Schools and Graham Local Schools have each approved a three-year shared services agreement that will allow both districts to share the services of a single Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer. The agreement was approved by the Urbana City Schools Board of Education on Wednesday, May 27, and by the Graham Local Schools Board of Education on Thursday, May 28. The arrangement takes effect August 1, 2026.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mandy Hildebrand will continue to serve as the Treasurer/CFO of Urbana City Schools, while also serving in the same role for Graham Local Schools. The cost of employing the Treasurer will be shared equally between the two districts.

Hildebrand, a Graham High School graduate, has served as Treasurer/CFO of Urbana City Schools for 18 years, building a strong record of financial stewardship and transparency. Her familiarity with both communities and deep knowledge of school finance make her uniquely suited to serve in this expanded capacity.

Urbana Board President Darrell Thomas said, “With state funding tightening and more of the burden shifting to local taxpayers, our districts have taken a creative, responsible approach to protect services while reducing costs. Sharing leadership allows both Urbana and Graham to benefit from significant savings and proven expertise. Mrs. Hildebrand has served Urbana with exceptional dedication, and we are confident Graham will benefit equally from her talent. This partnership is a win for both districts and the communities we serve.”

Graham Board President Leslie Maurice said, “Mandy is a Graham graduate, and it's meaningful to bring her expertise back to serve our students and community. This agreement reflects the kind of innovative, fiscally responsible thinking our taxpayers deserve, and we look forward to the partnership with Urbana City Schools.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve in this shared role,” said Hildebrand. “I am looking forward to partnering with students, staff, and stakeholders in both districts as we work together to support educational success for all of our students.”

Shared service agreements allow school districts to reduce administrative overhead while maintaining - and in many cases strengthening - the quality of services provided to students and communities. By pooling resources, both Urbana City Schools and Graham Local Schools will continue to receive dedicated, professional financial leadership at a reduced cost to each district’s taxpayers.