Pickerington Local Schools has cut about $3.25 million from its annual budget this school year, and the district is weighing deeper reductions as it faces a Nov. 3 vote on a proposed income tax increase. The 10-year, 0.75% tax measure is expected to generate about $21.9 million a year starting Jan. 1 and would bring the district’s total income-tax rate to 1.75%. Voters rejected a larger request in May. If the November proposal also fails, the district could consider a second and third round of cuts that would affect courses and other student programs. The first round, already in effect, eliminated six administrative positions and an office support job, ended summer school and general-fund-funded field trips, and stopped return transportation from away extracurricular events. School and department budgets were reduced by 25%, while pay-to-participate fees rose 25% to $345 per sport. Superintendent Charles Smialek said the district aimed to protect classroom offerings in this first phase, including electives such as photography and French. The possible later cuts have not been approved. They could include fewer high school electives and on-campus College Credit Plus courses, reduced junior high options, and fewer elementary and middle school classes outside core subjects. Further staffing, transportation, athletic and extracurricular cuts are also under consideration. The district forecasts revenue will grow an average of 0.91% annually from fiscal 2027 through 2031, compared with projected expense growth of 4.51%. Staffing and benefits account for much of the pressure: personnel makes up about 82% of the budget, enrollment is projected to rise by 1,000 students within three years, and employee health insurance rates are increasing 11.1%. A previous forecast projected a deficit of about $19 million by fiscal 2029. The latest forecast instead shows a negative cash balance of $9.63 million in fiscal 2031, but assumes all three phases of budget reductions are carried out. Ohio’s school funding system combines state and local revenue. The state’s Fair School Funding Plan estimates district costs and assigns part of the responsibility based on local revenue-raising capacity. For fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the plan’s base-cost calculation still relies on statewide salary and operating-expense data from fiscal 2022. Advocates at a Pickerington district town hall this week argued that inadequate state funding places too much pressure on local districts and taxpayers. Pickerington is not under Ohio’s fiscal caution, fiscal watch or fiscal emergency oversight. Smialek said including the planned reductions in the district’s forecast pushes the projected deficit beyond the state’s three-year review window, allowing the district to remain outside those designations and retain local control. If voters reject the November measure and a new operating levy passes in May 2027, the district would still need cuts to cover the period before collections begin in 2028, Smialek said. Pickerington North senior Carson Coyne, an art student and drumline member, told the school board Sept. 28 that he wants to preserve performing arts opportunities while recognizing the proposed tax would affect families. He also urged district leaders to make past financial audits easier for voters to find. District leaders plan to answer community questions Oct. 17 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Sorso Coffee and Oct. 31 at the same time at the Hill Road Kroger. Another financial town hall is planned before Election Day.