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.
To the Editor:
On May 5, I will be voting YES on the Pickerington Local School District income tax levy, and I urge my fellow community members to do the same.
As a parent and PLSD volunteer, I have seen firsthand the growth opportunities our district provides and the strength of our teaching staff. These are assets we simply cannot afford to lose.
Our schools serve more than 12,200 students across 15 buildings and over 35 square miles. That is a significant responsibility — and one that deserves adequate funding. District enrollment has grown 17% since 2011, the year the last operating enhancement issue passed. Our schools have been doing more with the same resources for far too long.
This levy is a 1.25% school district income tax, structured thoughtfully and fairly. Social Security income is exempt, protecting retirees on fixed incomes. And unlike a property tax, this approach ties the burden to what residents actually earn. Every dollar collected stays right here in our district, supporting our students and classrooms.
The consequences of failure are not abstract. If this levy does not pass, the district faces millions in cuts — larger class sizes, reduced academic options, and the elimination of busing for high school students. Kids could be limited to core classes, eliminating the arts, athletics, and electives that help so many of them discover who they are and what they’re capable of.
State funding has not kept pace with our community’s growth. That gap is real, and it falls to us to fill it. Pickerington is a wonderful place to raise a family, and our schools are a big reason why. Let’s keep them strong.
Please vote YES on May 5.
Sincerely,
Rachel Nash
Pickerington, OH
