Pickerington Online welcomes readers to submit Letters to the Editor. The opinions expressed in these letters are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or staff. Letters emailed to editor@pickeringtononline.com will be posted on both the organization’s website and social media within a few days of receipt, unless the contributor specifies a preferred publication time.
April 23, 2026
To the Editor:
My husband and I purchased our first home in Pickerington in May 2012. One of the primary factors influencing our decision was the strength of the Pickerington Local School District (PLSD). At the time, we did not yet have children, but we viewed our home purchase as an investment in our future plans.
In 2019 we welcomed our daughter and she is now a kindergartner at Heritage Elementary. My husband has been a teacher in the district for the past decade. During this time our community, like many others, have faced significant challenges. Throughout it all, the state of Ohio has repeatedly reduced support for public education, cutting funding year after year.
Given the current realities of public school funding, it should come as no surprise that PLSD is asking the community for support. With declining state funding and continued residential growth, our schools are increasingly overcrowded. Our teachers are repeatedly being asked to do more with less. My daughter began the school year in a classroom of 26 students – in Kindergarten. Many of these children had no prior preschool experience and were just beginning to learn how to function in a school environment. If you have never volunteered in a Kindergarten classroom, I strongly encourage you to do so. I believe that you cannot make value judgments about what may or may not be needed within our schools unless you have actually set foot in them and observed.
Despite these challenges, her teacher is expected to meet academic standards, provide a meaningful and engaging educational experience, and support the development of essential social and emotional skills. All of this is being asked of educators who are underpaid compared to those in similar districts and, too often, undervalued by members of the community who dismiss their work as little more than childcare. The crazy thing is, PLSD teachers somehow accomplish this every single day. But how long will they be able to keep this up?
PLSD is now seeking community support through a proposed 1.25% income tax increase. The district made a deliberate effort to respond to community concerns by avoiding a property tax request. Yet, for some, this effort has not been enough. Social media is filled with repeated sentiments: “I will never vote for this,” “Vote no,” “The schools can’t be trusted.” While I understand the hesitation to take on additional financial obligations at a time when costs are rising across the board, I encourage residents to consider what this proposed increase actually represents.
For an individual earning $50,000 annually, a 2.25% income tax equates to $1,125 per year—approximately $93.75 per month, or $3.08 per day. Refer to the table below to show additional examples of the cost breakdown based on income levels:
| Income | New Tax (2.25%) | Amount paid per month | Amount paid per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,687.50 | $140.63 | $4.62 |
| $100,000 | $2,250 | $187.50 | $6.16 |
| $150,000 | $3,375 | $281.25 | $9.25 |
I challenge those who are strongly opposed to this measure to reflect honestly: How often do you spend $5 – $10 daily on things you do not truly need? Judging by the steady lines at our local coffee shops and drive-thrus, it is clear that many do so regularly. The average cost of a single specialty coffee drink is around $6. What is more important, coffee or kids?
In the end, this issue extends beyond simple dollars and cents; fundamentally it comes down to our collective priorities as a community. Supporting our schools is an investment in our children, and that priority should be clear and unequivocal. A strong educational system equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Schools also foster critical thinking, civic responsibility, and long-term opportunities that may exist in further education or the trade sector.
High quality schools contribute directly to the overall strength and vitality of a community. Schools that perform well help sustain property values, they contribute to the attraction of families and businesses, while ultimately promoting economic stability. Even for residents without school-aged children, the benefits are tangible and enduring.
Ultimately, the question is not whether we can afford to support our schools, but whether we can afford not to. Prioritizing education is a commitment to the future. We need to ensure that we make decisions that strengthen our community today, as this ensures continued success for generations to come. All of these reasons help me feel confident in my YES vote.
Sincerely,
Samantha Schmitz
