Princeton City Schools board approves temporary FY26 appropriation; superintendent reports roughly $605,193 in withheld Title funds

The Princeton City Schools Board of Education approved a temporary appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and handled routine consent business during its public meeting. Board members then voted to enter an executive session to discuss personnel and property matters.

The vote to adopt the temporary FY26 appropriation resolution and the associated certificate of estimated resources was moved and seconded during the meeting; the chair announced the motion passed after roll-call affirmation. The board also approved the consent agenda earlier in the session.

In a financial update, a district speaker said about $605,193 in federal Title funds was being withheld and that the district receives nearly $6,000,000 in federal and state grants overall. "About $605,193 for coming in," the speaker said when asked for a round figure. The speaker added that Title I and early childhood education funds ‘‘appear to have cleared the state’’ and that some funds have started to trickle in, but cautioned that the district would not be comfortable until the money actually arrives.

The district plans a public mailer on year-end and funding updates once more information is finalized; the speaker estimated the communication would go out in two to three weeks.

Administrators also confirmed school-year logistics: the first day of classes for students is Aug. 14 and staff opening day/convocation is Aug. 11. The speaker credited Miss Roddy with preparing a calendar of important dates that will be posted to the district website.

The board discussed community events, including Sharon Fest in July and an Athletic Hall of Fame event scheduled for Friday, Aug. 22 at the Lyceum at 6 p.m.; board members asked about venue costs and whether the event could be held at a school. The speaker said the Lyceum is a one-year trial in response to prior complaints about the previous brunch format.

Board members noted they will meet with fellow school board members in Columbus to discuss state legislative trends. A speaker summarized a Columbus-area court action on education vouchers, saying those involved had characterized the vouchers as unconstitutional and that an appeal is expected. "They're gonna appeal it," the speaker said; the district said it is monitoring the matter.

The board made two motions to enter executive session during the meeting. The later motion cited Ohio Revised Code section 121.22(G)(1) to consider the employment and compensation of a public employee and to consider the purchase or sale of property; after a second and roll-call votes, the body recessed into executive session and said no further public action was expected that night.

The meeting included routine roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance and concluded with the board entering executive session for the stated reasons.