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Pickerington board moves 0.75% income-tax levy (10 years) toward November ballot after public input
Summary
After listening sessions and internal fiscal analysis, the Pickerington Local School District board voted 5-0 on July 13 to move a resolution certifying a 0.75% traditional income-tax levy (10-year limit) into the discussion-action section; staff will seek certification for placement on the November 2026 ballot and hold a special meeting August 3 to proceed.
The Pickerington Local School District Board of Education voted on July 13 to advance a proposed 0.75% traditional income-tax levy with a 10-year expiration toward placement on the November 2026 ballot.
Superintendent Dr. Smialek summarized results from district listening sessions and staff modeling before recommending the 0.75% option as “our best path forward.” “0.75 for a 10 year term is our best path forward, and I strongly recommend it,” he told the board.
Board members described the listening sessions as productive and said many community respondents rejected the prior 1.25% ask but favored lower rates with expirations. Multiple members said a 0.75% rate balances attainability and sustainability and reduces the likelihood the district would have to return to voters quickly.
President Kathy Olszewski explained the board had five previously drafted levy designs to choose from — 0.5% and 0.75% traditional income-tax options, a 6.0-mill property-tax option, and 2.0% and 2.25% earned-income-tax options — and that staff and many board members recommended the 0.75% traditional income tax with a 10-year cap.
The board first voted to amend the agenda to move the 0.75% certification resolution into the discussion-action section and then approved the resolution by roll call. The roll-call result was recorded as a unanimous 5-0 vote in favor of moving the resolution forward; the board noted a supermajority (at least four votes) was required and was met.
Treasurer/administrative staff confirmed the paperwork must be certified to the tax commissioner by July 24; the board scheduled a special meeting for August 3 to take the next formal vote to proceed and finalize ballot language if desired.
Board members emphasized that campaign activity is separate from district funds; Smialek clarified administrative costs to file the levy are distinct from any campaign mailings or outreach, which would be paid from a campaign fund if used. Several trustees reiterated plans to continue internal expense reductions to extend levy proceeds if voters approve.
No formal tax rate will take effect unless voters approve the levy in November and the board follows required certification steps.
