Sharonville, OH — December 10, 2024 — The Princeton City School District has announced immediate and potential budget adjustments following the failure of the November 5, 2024, levy. These measures aim to preserve educational opportunities while addressing significant funding gaps.

Superintendent G. Elgin Card emphasized community support: "We deeply value our community's support for public education and understand concerns about rising costs. The Board and administrative team are committed to reducing expenses with minimal impact on student learning and preserving the  Princeton Advantage."

Key details include:

1. Immediate Estimated Savings: $472,192 will be saved during the 2024-25 school year through a hiring freeze, reduced professional development, and operational cost adjustments.

2. Upcoming Reductions:  $5,299,378 in reductions will be made during the 2025-2026 school year. 

3. Long-term Adjustments: If additional funding isn't secured by 2025, deeper cuts will follow in 2026-2027, including additional staff reductions and operational changes.

4. Transportation Changes: Starting in January 2025, Secondary Activity Buses for after-school programs will no longer run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

5. Field Trip Adjustments: Only trips fully funded by grants will be considered.

6. Operational Cost Reductions: Summer building closures and delayed maintenance projects will contribute $230,000 of the immediate estimated savings, with $1,260,000 more projected to be reduced in 2025-2026.

The district has reduced over 40 positions in the past two years, mostly through attrition, and further consolidations may occur as retirements or staff departures arise. Additionally, non-essential substitute staffing will be eliminated.

Treasurer Chris Poetter highlighted the fiscal reality: “The levy failure leaves a $10.6 million loss in revenue for 2025, making budget adjustments critical to maintaining a sound financial outlook."

Looking Ahead:

• A levy proposal may return to the ballot in 2025.

• Community feedback is being actively sought during Listening Sessions in each community.

The district website has more information and updates at https://www.princetonschools.net/page/levy. 

The dates for the Community Listening Sessions will be posted soon.

The Princeton City School District remains committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility while prioritizing student success and community partnership. Princeton remains loyal to its mission of “Empowering each student for college, career, and life success.”

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Tricia Roddy, Director of Communications

3900 Cottingham Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45241

troddy@vikingmail.org

513.864.1093