Princeton Levy Passes; District Stabilizes Financial Outlook but Faces Ongoing Reductions
On May 6, voters passed a 6.61-mill emergency operating levy to provide over $10 million annually in essential funding for Princeton City Schools. This levy helps stabilize the district’s financial outlook by supporting day-to-day operating costs, including salaries, classroom supports, transportation, and utilities.
“The passage of this levy was necessary to begin addressing Princeton’s structural deficit,” said Jon Simons, president of the Princeton Board of Education. “While it brings immediate relief, it does not reverse the cuts already made, and additional reductions will still be needed before the 2025–2026 school year. We are grateful our community stepped up to support our schools at a critical time.”
The district had already implemented significant reductions prior to the levy vote and will maintain those cuts. Additional cost-saving measures are being evaluated now to ensure a balanced five-year forecast.
“Our responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars remains unchanged,” added Simons.
The last operating levy was passed in 2019. It was initially expected to last through 2022 but was stretched an additional two years thanks to prudent budgeting and one-time federal ESSER funding, which has now expired. A failed levy in November 2024 created the need for a half-million dollars in immediate cuts, and over $5 million in cuts already slated before the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
“We are deeply thankful to the volunteers who worked to inform our community and the residents who voted to support our students,” said Superintendent G. Elgin Card. “This levy helps us avoid deeper cuts, but it does not restore what was already reduced, and it won’t prevent all future reductions. Our team will continue to prioritize the core needs of our students and staff while making difficult financial decisions.”
Card emphasized the district’s ongoing commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and excellence in education.
Princeton City Schools is empowering each student for college, career, and life success.