Pick. Schools Wants Community Involved in Ballot Issue

January 9, 2026
By Rachel Scofield

“If there’s any time that the community should pay attention, it is this month,” School Board Member Ryan Holstine said. “Engagement during these next several weeks is crucial.”

The newly seated school board is wasting no time tackling the district’s growing financial problems. To place a levy or other measure on the May 6 ballot, a proposal must be submitted to the Fairfield County Board of Elections by Feb. 4.

“You might have the opportunity to spend every Monday night with us in January,” Board President Cathy Olshefski joked to community members.

To review the district’s financial outlook and possible options, a board work session has been scheduled for Jan. 12 at the district office (90 N. East St.), and a community town hall will be held Jan. 20 at Diley Middle School (750 Preston Trails Dr.). Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m.

“I think that’s pretty apparent if you look at Mr. (John) Walsh’s treasurer’s report that he puts together for us once a month — that we’re running out of money,” Holstine said. “So, over the next several weeks, please tell your friends, your family, everyone who lives here locally, ‘Pay attention.’ We’re discussing a lot of options. We’re going to get into the weeds on money — everybody’s favorite topic.”

Holstine asked the public not to fault the new school board members for the actions of their predecessors.

“I’ve been one of those people that have been vocal in public saying, ‘But you did X, Y and Z and now you want more money?’” Holstine said. “We’re turning a new page. We’re trying to do new things.”

Olshefski is the lone veteran on the 2026 school board. Mark Hensen is halfway through his first term, and Monday marked the first official meeting for the remaining three members: Holstine, Brooke LaGrasso and Charles Newman.

Newman echoed Holstine’s request for residents to offer the board a clean slate.

“Let’s come together. Show up. Reach out to us,” Newman said. “You will see that we are striving to do engagement a lot differently, to be available, to provide access, and we came out of the gate running.”

Community members are encouraged to attend the Jan. 12 special board meeting to learn more about the schools’ financial concerns. The agenda will also include a presentation on all-day kindergarten, to be offered district-wide next fall.

While the public may address the board during regular meetings, Superintendent Charlie Smialek said that the Jan. 20 town hall would be the better forum for direct feedback.

“Town halls are a little more free-flowing than a board meeting,” Smialek said. “Board meetings are pretty formal — we bring resolutions, there are votes, and there are two opportunities for comments. Town halls we can stop, we can answer questions, we can elaborate.”

Pickerington School Board: