Students are leaving Princeton City Schools for at least five neighboring districts, and gaps in residency paperwork are a key reason some enrollments remain on hold.

Kim Melzer, the district's data director, told the Princeton Board of Education at its Monday, Sept. 14 meeting that students have transferred to Cincinnati Public Schools, Lakota, Fairfield, Winton Woods and Hamilton. When board member Gina Moore asked what factors affect the number of students whose enrollment is on hold, Melzer cited "lack of valid district residency documentation."

The transfers come as Princeton's enrollment has fallen for a second straight year. The district's June 2026 financial forecast projected another decline in the current fiscal year, with the general fund cost per pupil exceeding $18,000. The most recent Ohio School Report Cards, released Tuesday, Sept. 15, gave the district four out of five stars overall. The Warren County Post reported Princeton's enrollment at 5,556 students based on that report card data.

Board member Mary Cleveland asked about the district's transient student population. Melzer said it remains significant, citing the number of apartment complexes and Section 8 housing in the district's boundaries. Moore also asked whether foster-placed students were included in the enrollment figures. Melzer confirmed they were.

All five board members were present: Jon Simons, Jodi Kessler, Cleveland, Moore and Jada Eley.

Stadium renovation on track for Sept. 26 opening

Athletic Director Joe Roberts told the board the renovated stadium will be ready for its Saturday, Sept. 26 ribbon-cutting. Final asphalt and paving work was expected to wrap up Wednesday, Sept. 16, and all concession stands are operational.

The district announced in August that Jake Sweeney Automotive Stadium at Pat Mancuso Field would not be ready for the start of the fall season. The first home football game was pushed to Friday, Oct. 2 against Mason High School during Homecoming Week.

Roberts said at the Sept. 14 meeting that "everything at the stadium is looking great" and confirmed it would be ready for the Sept. 26 opening. The People of Princeton Festival and Stadium Open House is scheduled that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Pride of Princeton Marching Band's first home performance, food trucks and activities.

The Homecoming Parade is set for Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Oct. 2 kickoff against Mason doubles as Community Officials Night.

Superintendent Mari Phillips opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Steve Duke, a retired Princeton High School history teacher who died the week before the meeting. The board also recognized board member Jodi Kessler, who received the Southwest Ohio Art Teacher Award.

The board's next meeting date was not announced. Treasurer Chris Poetter said the final fiscal year 2027 appropriation and certificate would be ready for that session.