April 8, 2026
From Kevin Kemper,
Pickerington City Council Member
On May 5, the Pickerington community has an important question to answer: Are we going to support our children and each other, or will we go backwards and put our kids—and what we’ve built together—at risk? Here’s why our household will be voting to invest in the future.
Just over 10 years ago, my wife and I were looking for a new community to call home. As we searched around the I-270 outerbelt, the biggest factor for us was the schools. Growing up, we both came from households with limited money for extras, but education was always prioritized.
We were fortunate to graduate from districts that offered paths to useful, real-world learning. In the mid-90s, that meant not only standard subjects, but also foreign languages, shop, music, art, business clubs, high-level math and science, debate, and theater. We decided that wherever we moved, it had to offer similar—or better—opportunities for our kids.
At the urging of close friends who grew up in Pickerington, we explored the area. What we found was a welcoming, affordable community—not too far from the city—and, most importantly, one with great schools and committed teachers and staff. Since moving here, our kids have had the chance to explore new interests, get extra help when needed, and build long-lasting friendships.
Most importantly, we know they are being prepared for a future that is rapidly changing and heavily dependent on technology. Alongside core subjects like math, science, English, and history, they also have opportunities to learn computer science and information technology, performing and visual arts, and engineering and multimedia technology—all while developing critical thinking skills.
Has the experience been perfect? Of course not. For more than 15 years, the district has not asked for an operating levy increase, putting itself in the position of stretching every dollar. As a result, class sizes are too large, pay-to-play fees are high, and there has been no all-day kindergarten option (though that is changing). Even so, the dedication of PLSD’s teachers and professional staff has helped make up for these shortcomings.
However, if the proposed 1.25% income tax increase on May 5 fails, Pickerington schools will quickly decline. The district will have no choice but to make cuts that will lead to even larger class sizes, fewer teachers, the elimination of course offerings, and reductions in busing—creating headaches for many parents and increasing traffic throughout the community. In short, we will be left with an anemic, weakened district that is simply scraping by.
When I vote Yes on May 5, it won’t be only from the perspective of a parent, but also as a Pickerington City Council member. In recent years, Pickerington has made incredible progress in providing the services and amenities our community has been asking for. Olde Village is becoming more vibrant with new restaurants and activities. We are building sidewalks to better connect neighborhoods and improve walkability. We are also seeing increased private commercial development that expands our tax base.
In 2023, Pickerington Methodist Hospital opened and now employs 1,060 people. This year, it is expanding its emergency department, which will create an additional 85 jobs. In the coming year, Orthopedic One will open a facility bringing 39 more jobs to the city. Combined with the new small businesses opening each year, Pickerington’s economy is growing stronger.
While the excellent work of our city staff plays a role in attracting this kind of investment, the main reason businesses choose Pickerington is our growing and vibrant community. Businesses—large and small—open where they have confidence they will succeed, and that is typically in communities that invest in themselves. You don’t see organizations like OhioHealth, Orthopedic One, Local Cantina, and Johnson’s Ice Cream investing in areas that are in decline.
Success builds on success, and the fastest way to halt that momentum is to strike at the heart of the community. That heart is not the City of Pickerington or Violet Township—it’s our school district. If you want to find common ground with almost anyone in town, bring up Tiger or Panther sports, or the marching bands.
I understand that the income tax request is a significant ask, but it is absolutely necessary. A substantial decrease in state funding, more than 15 years without an operating levy request, and a growing population have made this vote unavoidable. This isn’t about extras—it’s about maintaining what we already have.
My wife and I don’t welcome paying more in taxes, but we see it as an investment in our community and our children. We’ve put down roots here, and we are committed to seeing this area thrive so that someday, our children may choose to return and raise families of their own in Pickerington.
I urge you to vote in favor of the levy on May 5. Vote Yes for Pickerington kids, and vote Yes for your community.
To learn more about why the levy is important and how you can help it pass, visit Vote4PickKids.com.
Sincerely,
Kevin Kemper
Pickerington City Council
