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Pickerington Local board warned of $5.6 million projected shortfall; ODE may require corrective plan
Summary
The Pickerington Local School District’s November forecast projects an FY2028 deficit of about $5.59 million, triggering potential state intervention and a required corrective action plan if the February forecast still shows a negative balance; trustees reviewed levy scenarios and staffing implications.
The Pickerington Local School District presented a five‑year financial forecast Nov. 10 that projects a deficit in fiscal year 2028 and could prompt a required corrective action plan from the Ohio Department of Education.
Superintendent Dr. Smialek read language from the ODE letter summarizing the district’s submission and the state’s next steps. "The district's first required fiscal year 2026 financial forecast submission projects a deficit of 5,592,000 ish," he said, adding that the projected shortfall represents about 3.2% of the district’s total projected revenue. He warned trustees that if the February forecast still shows a negative cash balance for FY2028 the district must submit a written corrective plan within 45 days of that forecast.
The treasurer’s presentation accompanying the forecast included two levy scenarios modeled by staff. One scenario assumed a 2.8‑mill property tax levy passing in tax year 2026 and would, the presentation projected, keep the district solvent through FY2029; a 4.0‑mill levy scenario extended solvency further, to about FY2032. The treasurer noted the district’s cash flow for October was negative by about $141,000 and reported roughly $35 million in general‑fund cash on hand.
Board members asked whether staffing assumptions were included in the forecast; staff confirmed the October forecast incorporated an assumed addition of 26 positions beginning in 2026 (the forecast’s "press pause" staffing assumption). Trustees also questioned whether either levy scenario would restore the district’s board policy threshold of 45 days cash on hand; staff said neither the October forecast nor the modeled 2.8‑ or 4.0‑mill scenarios met that 45‑day threshold in all years.
Dr. Smialek cautioned that complying with ODE requirements could require listing positions for potential cuts and said the process is a state mandate rather than a local campaign tactic. "Regardless of the amount, a written plan will be required within 45 days of submission," he said.
Next steps the board discussed included monitoring state legislation (multiple House bills referenced in the presentation) and preparing to submit the February forecast; the superintendent and central office said they will work through public processes and community engagement in coming months to develop options to avoid cuts where possible.
The board did not adopt any cuts or levy decisions at the Nov. 10 meeting; it directed staff to continue refining forecasts, monitor state action and keep trustees and the public informed.
