By Cindy Kranz
The Cincinnati Enquirer

GLENDALE - Princeton City School District Superintendent Don Darby has announced he'll retire, effective July 31. The 55-year-old Springdale man has been superintendent at Princeton for 21/2 years. He replaced Dennis Peterson, who resigned to take a superintendent's job in Minnetonka, Minn., in summer 2001.

"It's time for someone else to take over the reins here at Princeton," said Darby, who has worked in the school system for 33 years. "I believe this is one of the very best school districts in all of Ohio, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as its superintendent."

Princeton has been home for Darby since he was hired in 1970 as a Princeton High Schoolteacher. He worked as a teacher, building administrator and central office administrator for 28 years until a bad back forced him to take long-term disability retirement in 1998, with a five-year window to return.

He was gone three years when his doctors cleared him to return to work. He took the job of interim superintendent in July 2001 and was named to the position in May 2002.

George Keyser, president of the Princeton Board of Education, said the board would have liked Darby to continue.

"During his tenure, many advancements have been made, including focus on learning for all children, improving district test scores and completed work contracts with Princeton teachers and support staff unions," he said.

"Don's inclusive management style has improved employee morale across the district."

The district will conduct a national search for Darby's replacement.

E-mail ckranz@enquirer.com