PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Pickerington Local Schools is looking for voters to renew a .5-mill levy on May 5.
The district is seeking an additional 12-year extension in order to guarantee it has 23 years of maintenance funding.
Issue 7 would generate $50 million in state funds to upgrade older buildings throughout the district.
If passed, the renewal levy will continue to cost residents $11.15 each year per $100,000 in home value.
The levy means no new taxes for Pickerington residents and the promise of state money to update several older schools in need of repair.
Violet Elementary School appears neat and up-to-code, but the building, which was built in 1968 is in need of repairs and renovations.
"There's plans to do a replacement of all electrical systems, safety alarm systems, water towers, air conditioning, roof needs replaced," said George Vickroy, of Violet Elementary School.
On May 5, the issue goes before voters as a classroom facilities maintenance renewal levy and the additional cost to taxpayers is zero, solidifying the annual tax homeowners pay from 2020 to 2032.
"In exchange for that, we will receive $50 million from the Ohio Facilities Commission for the purpose of renovating, upgrading and maintaining some of our older buildings," said Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent.
The $50 million helps renovate five Pickerington schools -- Violet, Fairfield and Pickerington elementary schools, Ridgeview Junior High School and Central High School.
Those renovations, Vickroy said, will go a long way in improving the learning environment.
"If the air conditioning is not working when it gets really, really hot in the winter, when the heating system is not working correctly, you have quite a jump in change in temperature and kids, just like anybody else, are up and down with those temperatures," Vickroy said.
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