The Princeton Board of Education locked in the district's spending plan for the coming school year Aug. 24, approving the fiscal year 2027 appropriation budget, financial forecast, capital plan and permanent improvement plan on four separate unanimous votes at a special meeting that stretched nearly six hours.

But two facilities items did not advance. Board member Mary Cleveland moved to table a demolition contract for 33 West Sharon and a related resolution to contract with Woeste Bros Contractors, LLC. Jodi Kessler seconded both motions.

No public explanation was given.

The fiscal votes came against a backdrop the board discussed at its June 29 meeting: property tax revenue running $1.5 million above estimates, but enrollment declining for a second straight year and per-pupil costs topping $18,000 in the general fund. The district's own forecast projects cash reserves will fall below the board's policy threshold by fiscal year 2029 without spending cuts or new revenue.

"I move to table the approval of Contract to Approve the Demolition of 33 West Sharon," Cleveland said at the meeting, with Kessler seconding. The board gave no timeline for revisiting the item.

Kessler moved the FY27 appropriation resolution, seconded by Cleveland. Gina Moore moved the capital plan, seconded by Jada Eley. Cleveland moved the permanent improvement plan, seconded by Kessler. All passed 5-0.

The board also discussed where the Class of 2027 will hold graduation but took no vote. The minutes do not record what venues were considered or whether a decision is expected at a future meeting.

Other unanimous approvals included a new assistant superintendent job description, a client service agreement with BrightStar Care for the 2026-2027 school year, and a resolution authorizing payment in lieu of transportation for certain eligible students.

The meeting opened with a nearly three-hour executive session, from 4:09 p.m. to 7:01 p.m., covering employee compensation and property matters. A second executive session ran from 8:05 p.m. until adjournment at 9:44 p.m. Board members present were Jon Simons, Kessler, Cleveland, Moore and Eley.

The district has not posted a date for its next board meeting. Families seeking details on the capital plan or the tabled demolition can monitor the board's BoardDocs page for updates.