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Pickerington's school income tax levy fails by about 250 votes, and activities are suspended

The CBUStoday teamFrom today’s edition · 1 min read · 4 sources

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If you have a kid in Pickerington schools, the cuts have started. Voters rejected the district's .75%, 10-year income tax Tuesday by about 250 votes, less than 1% of the vote. The levy would have generated about $21 million a year, according to the district. Fox 28 says the public library's property tax also failed by a narrow margin.

The levy fell just short

about 250
votes it was rejected by
$21 million
a year it would have generated, about
.75%
income tax, for 10 years

Sources: 10TV, NBC4 WCMH-TV

Superintendent Dr. Charles Smialek called the margin "razor, razor thin." Upper Arlington, Bexley and Southwest Licking also had school tax issues fail.

4districts with school tax issues that failed Tuesday

Pickerington, Upper Arlington, Bexley and Southwest Licking all lost.

Source: NBC4 WCMH-TV

  • Suspended Wednesday: all extracurriculars except varsity sports
  • Still running through the holidays: some musical and theater programs
  • Possible next try: a May ballot issue

In South-Western City Schools, voters approved Issue 6, and the district plans to replace two high schools. A new Grove City amendment may require an extra vote, though, which could affect timelines.

Sources: NBC4 WCMH-TV, 10TV, Fox 28

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