Princeton City Schools staff will return in August under employee handbooks revised three times in six weeks, with no public explanation of what changed each round. All five board members approved the latest amendment on Friday, July 24, at a special meeting held just 20 days before the first students walk through the doors.

Board members Jon Simons, Jodi Kessler, Mary Cleveland, Jada Eley, and Gina Moore all voted yes on the consent agenda at Princeton High School's Viking Village, 150 Chester Rd. The package included the amendment to the updated administrative employee handbooks for school year 2026-2027, the June 2026 bank reconciliation and investment reports, and a personnel report covering new hires. Gina Moore made the motion; Jodi Kessler seconded.

The July 24 action marks the third time the board has revised administrative and non-bargaining staff policies for the coming year. The board first approved the annual update at its Monday, June 8 regular meeting, then approved an amendment at the Monday, July 13 regular meeting, and approved a second amendment on July 24. The specific language that changed in each round has not been made public in the board's meeting minutes.

The reasons remain unclear.

The rapid succession of revisions comes during a leadership transition. Dr. Mari Phillips, who was appointed superintendent on April 29, officially takes over Saturday, August 1. She brings more than 40 years of education experience, including four decades with Princeton City Schools in roles ranging from teacher and counselor to associate superintendent.

"I believe that Mari Phillips chose Princeton as much as Princeton chose her," board member Jon Simons said at the July 13 regular meeting, when the board approved the first handbook amendment and welcomed Dr. Phillips.

As we reported July 24, the same special meeting also produced the appointment of a Treasurer Pro Tempore. The July 24 session included an executive session from 3:10 p.m. to 4:53 p.m. to discuss the employment and compensation of a public employee.

The handbook changes land as the district prepares for a staggered start to the school year. According to the district's back-to-school information, Thursday, August 13 is the first day for all new enrollees, students in grades 1-5, grades 6 and 9, and Innovation Center students. All students except PreK and kindergarten attend Friday, August 14. PreK and kindergarten students begin Monday, August 17.

The district's most recent financial forecast, approved at a Monday, June 29 special meeting, noted student enrollment has declined for a second consecutive year and is projected to drop again in fiscal year 2027. The general fund cost per pupil exceeded $18,000.

Families and staff seeking details about the handbook amendments can contact Human Resources at 25 W. Sharon Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45246, where the office relocated in mid-July while the Princeton Administration Center undergoes maintenance.