For Immediate Release

Princeton City School Board hires Finding Leaders for superintendent search

(Cincinnati, OH) February 24, 2023 - The Princeton City School Board of Education has selected Finding Leaders to conduct a search for the district’s next superintendent. On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the board voted and approved an open and transparent, inclusive search process for the recruitment and selection of a permanent Superintendent upon the retirement of Superintendent Tom Burton.

Finding Leaders is a national network of experienced educators focused on helping school districts prepare for a change in leadership. The board selected Finding Leaders from three finalist search firms to conduct the superintendent search. 

Susan Wyder, board president, said, “Finding Leaders will conduct research and utilize the information gathered during focus groups, both in person and online, to assist in developing the job posting, recruiting, and recommending candidates to be interviewed by the Board.” 

“As a board, we know that this is the most important job we have as public servants, hiring the superintendent, and it’s a task we take very seriously. Our Princeton community deserves the very best leader. We feel confident that Finding Leaders will assist us in identifying the most qualified, best candidates for the executive search,” explained Wyder, who is confident that there will be a smooth transition and time to allow for a superintendent to be selected by the beginning of July to allow for a month-long transition into the position.

Burton announced on November 7, 2022, his intention to retire on July 31, 2023, after more than 35 years in public education.

For updates on the hiring process, please visit the district website at www.princetonschools.net.

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February 10, 2023 - Safety Update: Weapon brought to PCMS

Essential to our commitment to transparency is open communication with staff and parents about safety issues when they arise. For this reason, I want to make you aware of a situation that occurred at PCMS today.  There was a middle school student who brought a gun to school today. The situation was handled quickly, and at no point was there any student or staff member in danger.  All safety protocols were followed.

I’m proud of how our staff handled this situation with minimal disruption to the class or school day. We regularly train using our school safety plan with our safety staff, teachers, and our school resource officer. We recognize that training pays off in handling situations like this quickly and safely.

Below is the message that was distributed:

February 10, 2023

Dear Princeton Parents, Guardians, and Community Members:

Good afternoon. This is Princeton Community Middle School (PCMS) Principal Dave Mackzum. Our school is committed to the safety and education of all our students. When something occurs on our school campus, I want to keep you informed and provide you with accurate information. 

One of our middle school students brought a gun to school this morning. A staff member saw the weapon and followed our safety protocols. The weapon was secured, and no one was hurt or in harm's way at any point. The student was arrested, removed from the building, and charged with having a weapon on school property. The student was also disciplined according to the Code of Student Conduct. 

Please talk to your child about this situation and remind them that ANY type of weapon is not allowed on school property. If you have firearms in your home, please ensure all weapons are locked and secured.  

Thank you for your involvement in your child’s education and your partnership with PCMS. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 513-864-2000.

Estimados padres, Tutores, y Miembros de la Comunidad de Princeton:

Buenas tardes. Este es el director Dave Mackzum, de la escuela media de Princeton (PCMS). Nuestra escuela está comprometida con la seguridad y educación de todos  nuestros estudiantes. Cuando algo ocurre en uno de nuestros planteles escolares, yo quiero mantenerlos informados y proveer información correcta.

Uno de nuestros estudiantes llevó un arma de fuego a la escuela esta mañana. Un miembro del personal vio el arma y siguió nuestro protocolo de seguridad. El arma fue asegurada, y nadie fue lastimado o estuvo en peligro en  ningún momento. El estudiante fue arrestado, sacado del plantel escolar y acusado de llevar un arma a la escuela. También fue disciplinado de acuerdo al Código de Conducta de los Estudiantes. 

Por favor hable con su niño sobre esta situación y recuerdele que NINGÚN  tipo de arma es permitida en la propiedad escolar. Si usted tiene armas de fuego en su casa, por favor asegúrese de que todas las armas estén bajo llave y aseguradas.

Gracias por su participación en la educación de su hijo y su asociación con la PCMS. Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud comuniquese con migo al 513-864-2000.

Dear Seniors,

Applying to college Early Action or Early Decision? The General Deadline to submit these applications is November 1st! Take advantage of our new partnership with CollegeVine and book your Application Review Session today. It’s easy - just click on our District Link and find an advisor that interests you to book a FREE session.

The counselors specialize in a variety of areas: college essays, general application reviews and questions, trade School & vocational pathways, financial aid, Community College, and so much more! There are Spanish-speaking counselors, and sessions are available at your convenience - after school hours and on weekends.

We know the college application process can be stressful, and that's why we’ve partnered with CollegeVine as another free resource at your fingertips to help out.

Click on this link and book a session today - https://www.collegevine.com/districts/princetonschools

As always, Go Vikes!

Princeton City Schools

Princeton City Schools will foster consistent and transparent communication to build awareness and trust among all stakeholders.

For timely and consistent communications from the district and schools, please sign up for E-News!

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Sign-up for E-News, an electronic newsletter for Princeton community members who wish to know about all the great happenings inside Princeton City Schools.  Use this LINK to send your email address with the subject line E-News to the Communications Department, and you will be added to the list.

The same Email link may be used to contribute information to ENEWS about a Princeton school event, classroom event/activity, alumni story or community event taking place in the Princeton district.

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Do you have news to share about a Princeton School event, classroom event/activity, alumni story or community event taking place in the Princeton district? We would like to hear from you. Send us your newsworthy story by clicking click here.

Please note: There are no guarantees that a news story will be published.

Media Requests

Contact Tricia Roddy during school hours at 513.864.1093 or troddy@vikingmail.org. If you need to contact the district after hours, email your request and a phone number where you can be reached.