September 21, 2026
Submitted by Corbin Parker, Pickerington North Student
Dear Editor,
As the Pickerington Local School District (PLSD) faces an impending $14 million operating deficit by 2028, it is concerning that a narrative is forming that forcing budget cuts will motivate voters to pass the proposed traditional income tax levy.
Data indicates that this strategy will only erode community trust. The previous attempt at this tax measure failed in the May elections. I encourage residents to review the official county website to examine the turnout and voting results. Attributing the levy’s failure solely to a lack of community support is shortsighted.
The district has already implemented reductions ranging from $3.25 million to $5.84 million to address the immediate deficit. Further austerity measures will only diminish the qualities that make Pickerington a desirable place to live.
This is a funding crisis, not a mismanagement crisis. PLSD has experienced a 17 percent increase in student enrollment since 2011, the year the district’s last operating enhancement levy passed. PLSD is now the 15th largest school district in Ohio, educating 45 percent of students in Fairfield County. It is also the county’s second-largest employer, with over 1,200 employees, and maintains a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on the September 2026 state report card—all despite a frozen funding baseline for 15 years.
In response to community feedback regarding financial concerns, the school board has submitted a modified version of the proposed levy. Voters can review the official ballot summary on the district’s website to see the details, including tax rates and duration.
Continuing to suggest that failing to pass the levy will result in larger class sizes, the elimination of busing, and other reductions will not increase voter turnout in November or May. Instead, it risks losing top educators, lowering home values, and penalizing students. We must adequately fund education for our growing community rather than relying on austerity measures as a political tactic.