Joseph Weimelt– Urbana’s New Principal

Laura Taylor has been principal for three years, and assistant principal for three. But after nine wonderful years, Taylor will be saying goodbye to being principal at Urbana High School. Her hard work and loving personality will always be remembered at UHS.

“I hope UHS will continue providing a great opportunity for kids, and I hope people feel like this is a safe place where they’re loved,” said Dr. Taylor.

“Dr. Taylor is and always will be a great principal. She always takes the time to get to know her students and make them feel that school is a safe environment,” said Sophomore Martha Henigman.

Dr. Taylor will be greatly missed, but we are confident that the school will be left in good hands, and we have great faith in the new interim UHS Principal, Joseph Weimelt.

“I love education and working with students on their future,” said Weimelt. “I love the opportunity to be able to lead UHS and
offer great opportunities.”
Weimelt has taught at Urbana Middle School for three years as director of bilingual multicultural programs. Outside of class,
Weimelt enjoys spending time with his family.

“I am married and have two small boys and I love spending time with them,” said Weimelt. “Also, I’m a former college athlete so I love working out and playing many different sports.”

When asked how UMS differs from UHS, Weimelt said that UMS has less people, while UHS has more people and much more varied academic sources.

“Learning the in and outs of the building and student schedules is going to be the hardest change to adapt to,” said Weimelt.

“There are so many individual pieces that make up a large school like this.”
Katie Hutchinson, ESL teacher at UHS, said that, “Mr. Weimelt is going to do an awesome job as the interim principal. My students and I are looking forward to seeing him and working with him everyday.”

“I’m glad he [Weimelt] is going to be around and spend time at UHS,” said Taylor. “He’ll do a great job, I’m not concerned!”

“I believe that a principal should be a visionary and strong leader,” said Weimelt. “A good principal should be an optimistic person who is driven for what is best for students and their learning. I am very excited and proud to be able to be in this position, and I look forward about this opportunity,” said Weimelt.

Although Dr. Taylor will always be remembered here at UHS, the upcoming school year has been left in good hands.