As Pickerington Local School District continues to grow, the district is weighing two options for an operating levy on the November general election ballot.
The Pickerington Schools Board of Education on May 27 initiated the process to place an operating levy on the Nov. 4 ballot. The district is considering two proposed millage rates: 8 mills and 9.21 mills, according to a June 11 district news release.
If approved, an 8-mill levy would generate $16,973,886 a year and cost property owners $280 per $100,000 of appraised home value. If voters approve a 9.21-mill levy, it would generate $19,541,186 a year, costing homeowners roughly $322 per $100,000 of appraised value, according to the district.
The average home value within the district is estimated at $400,000 — meaning those property owners would pay $1,120 a year under the 8.0-mill levy and $1,288 a year under the 9.21-mill levy, the district’s release states.
Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Road, Pickerington
The proposed levies would be continuing or permanent, meaning voters would not decide whether to renew them because they would not expire.
Pickerington schools anticipate enrollment will increase by more than 1,000 students between fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2029. An operating levy would allow district leaders to focus on ensuring resources align with students’ needs. Considering both millage rates gives the school board flexibility in addressing budget needs while planning for Pickerington’s future, according to the release.
“Investing in our schools today secures a strong future for Pickerington,” school board President Clay Lopez said in the news release. “As our student population grows, we must ensure that we have the resources to provide high-quality education, retain talented educators, and maintain financial stability. This levy is a crucial step in sustaining excellence for our students while addressing the District’s long-term needs. Our community has always supported education, and now is the time to come together to build a stronger foundation for the years ahead.”
The district has operated at a deficit since fiscal year 2022, relying on reserve spending to maintain operations, school district Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer John Walsh said in the news release.
“We have been under a ‘press pause’ directive since February 2025,” Walsh said. “Each retirement or resignation is evaluated before being replaced, and new staffing decisions are driven by student needs. A successful levy could allow the district to lift the ‘press pause’ and address staffing challenges.”
Board members are expected to decide between the levy options at their June 23 meeting, according to the district.
If voters approve a levy in November, it would be the district’s first successful operating levy since voters passed a 5.5-mill levy in 2011. Voters passed a $89.93 million bond issue in 2022 to fund a new junior high and expansions at both district high schools.
Bond funds can only be used for building costs, per Ohio law.
The Pickerington High School Central expansion will be completed June 13, and Pickerington High School North’s expansion will wrap up by July 16. The new Pickerington Central Junior High School is expected to be completed in early 2026, the district’s release states.
Eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Pickerington schools weighing two options for November operating levy