Sunday, September 13, 2026
Dear Princeton family members,
It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the death of one of our recent teachers, Mr. Steve Duke. Mr. Duke took a leave of absence after Spring Break in 2026 and retired from Princeton City School District in May 2026. Mr. Duke served the district for over 24 years.
This information is being shared with you today because we believe that it is important for you to have a choice to communicate the loss with your child in a manner appropriate for your family.
Starting Monday, September 14th, a support team of school psychologists, counselors, and other pupil support staff from the Princeton City School District will be available to offer grief counseling to any student who may need to talk. Our support team will remain available for as long as needed in the days ahead.
When faced with the death of someone close to them, children may go through stages of grief. Please watch your children and be alert to any changes, such as:
Physical – any changes in sleep patterns or eating habits;
Emotional – any changes such as unusual fears, anger, worry, or clinging behaviors toward parents; or
Social – loss of interest in usual activities
Here is a link to resources on our district website that you can use to talk with your child. If you think your child is having a difficult time dealing with this loss, please contact the school, and we will provide additional assistance. Talbert House and MindPeace counselors are also available. Please call 513-246-9140 to speak with someone immediately.
I know you will join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Duke’s family.
Sincerely,
James Stallings, Principal
Princeton High School
A Message from Superintendent Dr. Mari E. Phillips:
On behalf of the Princeton City School District Board of Education, we are saddened to share the news of the death of Steve Duke, a recently retired Princeton High School social studies teacher.
The Princeton City School District is grateful for Mr. Duke’s many years of dedicated service to our students and community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former students, colleagues, and the entire Viking family.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Duke served Princeton City Schools for 24 years before retiring at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. In 2017, he was named Viking Excellence Teacher of the Year at Princeton High School.
Mr. Duke was a leader and mentor whose commitment extended far beyond the classroom. Sincere and deeply invested in his students, he built meaningful relationships and worked tirelessly to help them succeed. As an Advanced Placement History teacher, he challenged his students while making sure they felt supported, connected, and confident in their understanding of the material.
He was also a steadying presence in the Social Studies Department, generously sharing resources, lesson plans, advice, and his knowledge of technology with colleagues. Even while managing the demands of multiple courses, Mr. Duke made time to help others and became a trusted resource throughout Princeton High School. His servant leadership, generosity, and willingness to help were hallmarks of the teacher and colleague he was.
We recognize that this news may be difficult for those who worked with Mr. Duke or knew him through our schools. Talbert House, MindPeace, and Curelink staff will be available on-site for students and staff who would like support. Individuals may also speak with their school administration for assistance accessing additional resources. Fernside counselors are available by calling 513-246-9140.
We invite the Princeton community to join us in honoring Mr. Duke’s legacy of service and the lasting impact he made on generations of students, colleagues, and families. Service and memorial information, along with an official obituary, will be shared when it becomes available.