Board of Education Members

Dr. Chris Urso - President

Education:

• Miami University, Oxford, B.S., Education. cum laude;
• Miami University, Oxford, M.S., Sport Studies/Administration
• Miami University, Oxford, Ph. D., Educational Leadership 

Personal/Family Information:
I have been married to Julie, a 1997 MHS, graduate since 2003. She is a reading specialist at Weller Elementary in Centerville. We have two children who attend MCSD. 

Do you hold any organizational memberships? If yes, what are they?:
I have a Principal Licensure for the state of Ohio. I also have a Physical Education Licensure from the state of Ohio. In 2012, I was inducted into the Miami Middletown Hall of Fame. I am a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the American Educational Research Association.

What is your professional background?
I am an adjunct professor at Miami University in the Departments of Educational Leadership & Kinesiology and Health. I am also the Chairman of the Middletown College Pledge. 

What are your goals for this school board term?:
My top 3 goals for this school board term are:

1. To assist in generating and revising district policies to create an educational environment in which all students can thrive.
2. Contribute to the development of a collaborative, reasoned and respectful educational climate in which the voices of students, teachers, parents, educational leaders and community members all contribute to a conversation of how to make Middletown City Schools the best public district statewide and nationally.
3. To confirm that all resources that are allocated to Middletown City Schools are used in the most impactful way to ensure a hopeful future for our students and our community. 

What is your favorite hobby?:
I love traveling, coaching Evan and Claire's athletic teams and playing basketball.

Mrs. Cathie Mulligan - Vice President

Education:

• Mount St. Joseph University,  B.A., Mathematics, summa cum laude
• University of Cincinnati, M.A. in Mathematics, Teaching Fellowship
• Further studies, University of Notre Dame, Xavier University, Miami University

Personal/Family Information:
My husband Larry and I are the parents of 6 adult children.  We have 11 grandchildren.  Larry and I are life-long Middletonians and members of Holy Family Parish.

Do you hold any organizational memberships? If yes, what are they?:
Middletown Community Foundation (former President), Middletown Arts Center (former Vice-Chair), Middletown Area Neediest Youth (Board member), Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown,  Monroe and Trenton, Miami Middletown Citizens Advisory Board, Cincinnati State President’s Advisory Council, United Way Success by 6

What is your professional background?
My career in education spanned over 40 years at the university and secondary education levels.  I was a founding member of the Miami Middletown Mathematics Department.  After teaching there for 31 years, I served in administration at Bishop Fenwick High School, retiring as Principal.  I also worked extensively in the area of Mathematics Education, publishing articles, and receiving grants for providing professional development for math teachers.   I presented numerous math workshops locally and nationwide.  I was a T.O.R.C.H. Master Teacher under the sponsorship of the Woodrow Wilson Foundation.  

What are your goals for this school board term?:
My goal for this term is to impact student achievement by implementing the Strategic Plan recently adopted by the District.  The Plan has four areas designed to facilitate increased achievement; the Board’s role is to hold the Administration responsible for delivering results in all the areas.  My ultimate goal is for the Middletown City School District to merit recognition as a high performing district.  This will happen in incremental steps.

What is your favorite hobby?:
I suppose it is ironing.  It is a good way to relax. 

Mr. Todd Moore 

Education: 

• Miami University, Oxford, Bachelors' in Public Administration and Political Science.
• University of Akron, M.A.P.
• *Received Political Science honors from Miami and Akron Universities and published in the Akron Law Review.

Personal/Family Information:
I am married and have two children: Claire and Dean.

Do you hold any organizational memberships? If yes, what are they?:
Board of Directors for the Community Building Institute and the American Heart Association, Middletown, Ohio; Chair of the Board on Zoning Appeals and Member of the Planning Commission, City of Middletown, Ohio; Chair the Communications Committee for the Ohio Afterschool Network and a Member of the Executive Leadership Team, Ohio Afterschool Network, Columbus, Ohio; Member of the Middletown Community Foundation’s, Distribution Committee and Marketing Committee; and a Member of the Middletown Rotary Foundation.

What is your professional background?
Education & Outreach Director for Trinity Debt Management, Cincinnati, Ohio. I’ve worked in nonprofit management and financial services for 10 years. In addition, I have extensive experience working with public schools as a fundraiser raising funds for K-3 literacy, mentoring, technology, youth development and parental engagement programs. 

What are your goals for this school board term?:
My goals are to improve climate and communication, accountability, strengthen our district's report card and create a strong vision for our district.

What is your favorite hobby?:
I enjoy spending time with my family and working to improve Middletown.

Ms. Michelle Novak

Education:

• Wright State University, B.S., Corporate Finance
• Wright State University, M.P.A 

Personal/Family Information:
I have four children who all attend/ed Middletown Public Schools. 

Do you hold any organizational memberships? If yes, what are they?:
I am the treasurer of the Central Academy TEAM. 

What is your professional background?
I have a background in professional grant writing. 

What are your goals for this school board term?:
My goal is to work toward providing all children within the Middletown City School district the tools they need to reach their potential.

What is your favorite food?:
My favorite food is Eggplant Parmigiana.