The Sycamore Community Schools board approved six administrative appointments in July, placing new leaders at Blue Ash Elementary, Maple Dale Elementary, Sycamore High School and in two district-level curriculum roles before classes start in August.

The changes affect four of the district's seven buildings and add new leadership overseeing curriculum and special education for all 6,051 students.

The board approved five appointments at its Wednesday, July 8 meeting, according to a district press release published the same day. Bret Mustain was introduced as the new Sycamore High School assistant principal at the board's regular meeting on Tuesday.

Who's going where

Natalie Jimenez, previously principal of Blue Ash Elementary, moves into the newly configured role of Director of Curriculum and Instruction for grades K-6. The district said Jimenez's curriculum background and familiarity with Sycamore schools made her a fit for the new role.

Angela Faulhaber joins the district as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for grades 7-12. She previously served as associate principal at West Clermont High School and as an instructional coach and consultant.

Danielle Gray takes over as principal of Blue Ash Elementary, filling the vacancy left by Jimenez. Gray was assistant principal at Maple Dale Elementary and brings more than 27 years of experience in education.

Natalie Moss, an intervention specialist at Maple Dale Elementary, becomes interim assistant principal at Maple Dale, filling the vacancy created by Gray's move to Blue Ash. Moss previously served as interim assistant principal at E.H. Greene Intermediate.

Taryn Barker joins Sycamore as Director of Special Education for grades 7-12. She most recently served as associate principal at the Lakota West Freshman Campus and has prior experience as a special education coordinator and intervention specialist. Misty Belfrom continues as Director of Special Education for grades K-6.

Bret Mustain was introduced as the new Sycamore High School assistant principal at the July 21 board meeting. The district has not released details about his background or prior role.

What it means for families

The reshuffling creates a new two-person curriculum office split by grade band, with Jimenez handling elementary schools and Faulhaber overseeing junior high and high school. The special education office mirrors that structure, with Barker covering grades 7-12 and Belfrom continuing with K-6.

Blue Ash Elementary families will have a new principal in Gray after Jimenez's promotion to the district office. Maple Dale families gain an interim assistant principal in Moss.

The 2026-27 school year begins with staggered start days: Thursday, August 13 for Pre-K, grades 1-6 (last names A-K), grade 7, grade 9, grade 12, and all new-to-district high school students. Friday, August 14 brings grades 1-6 (last names L-Z), grade 8, and all grades 9-12.