The Princeton Board of Education made it official Aug. 10, three days before the Aug. 13 first day of school: Dr. Mari Phillips is the face on the wall.

At the board's regular meeting, President Jon Simons unveiled Phillips' portrait in the Viking Room at Princeton High School, adding it to the lineup of superintendents who preceded her. All five board members were present. Mary Cleveland, Jodi Kessler, Gina Moore and Jada Eley each shared welcoming remarks, and Phillips thanked the board for the opportunity, according to meeting minutes.

Phillips, who became superintendent Aug. 1, came out of retirement to take the job. She and her husband Robert both served as educators in the district. Phillips spent more than four decades with Princeton City Schools as a teacher, counselor, building administrator, director of student services, assistant superintendent and associate superintendent before working as an educational consultant for three years.

"I believe that Mari Phillips chose Princeton as much as Princeton chose her," Simons said at the board's July 13 meeting, when Phillips first addressed members after accepting the position.

When she announced her appointment April 29, Phillips said Princeton "has always held a special place in my heart."

HR position left hanging

The board voted 5-0 to table the job description for an assistant superintendent of human resources. Gina Moore made the motion; Mary Cleveland seconded. The minutes do not explain why the description was tabled, and it remains unclear whether the district is creating a new position or revising an existing one. Either way, the formal job description is unapproved as the school year begins.

Transportation and finances approved

The board unanimously approved the 2026-2027 Parent Transportation Agreement covering elementary and high school students. Kessler made the motion, Cleveland seconded.

Members also approved the July 2026 Financial Report on a 5-0 vote, with Kessler moving and Eley seconding. The district's June financial forecast had flagged enrollment declining for a second consecutive year, with a projected drop again in fiscal year 2027 and a general fund cost per pupil exceeding $18,000.

An enrollment update was discussed at the Aug. 10 meeting, but the published minutes contain no specific figures.

Executive sessions and what's next

The board spent more than two hours in executive session, from 6:47 p.m. to 9:05 p.m., discussing employee compensation and security arrangements and emergency response protocols.

As we reported Wednesday, Aug. 12, grades 1-5, 6 and 9 started Thursday, Aug. 13, with all students in grades 1-12 returning Friday, Aug. 14, and PreK and kindergarten beginning Monday, Aug. 17. Phillips has framed the year around the theme "Every Student, Every Opportunity."

The next regular board meeting date has not been confirmed in published records. Families can check the schedule at princetonschools.net.