Central Ohio Schools Put Tax Measures to Voters
Several central Ohio school districts are asking voters to approve bonds, levies and income taxes on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Administration
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Central Ohio school districts put long-term building and operating funding decisions to voters on November 3, 2026. The proposals include a $220 million South-Western bond issue, a Pickerington income tax increase and Bexley's $115 million facilities package.
Why it matters
The measures would set long-term property and income tax rates for districts serving a growing region of Ohio. Pickerington says it has spent more than it collects since 2022 and expects roughly 1,000 more students over five years.
South-Western Issue 6 would authorize $220 million in bonds repaid through an estimated 2.26-mill property tax over as many as 38 years. Pickerington has cut about $3.2 million from its annual budget, and its income tax proposal would generate roughly $21.9 million a year, though the final result of the vote remains unknown.
The players
South-Western City School District
A central Ohio public school district seeking $220 million in bonds to replace two aging high schools.
Pickerington Local School District
A central Ohio district that has spent more than it collects since 2022 and is seeking a higher school income tax.
Ohio Facilities Construction Commission
A state agency that would share funding equally with South-Western for the proposed high school replacements.
The details
South-Western's Issue 6 would replace Grove City and Westland high schools, both opened in 1970, with funding split about equally between the district and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. Pickerington is seeking a 10-year, 0.75% school income tax, while Bexley's $115 million package combines a 0.5% income tax with a 2.05-mill property tax.
Timeline
Jan. 1 following approval: Pickerington's proposed income tax would begin generating revenue.
Jan. 1 following approval: Bexley's proposed income tax would begin.
2027: Bexley's existing 2.05-mill construction-debt levy expires.
May of the prior year: Voters rejected Pickerington's permanent 1.25% income tax.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Central Ohio school districts hold ballot issues.
Legal Context
Central Ohio districts are turning to voter-approved school income taxes, a funding tool that depends on the district's own electorate rather than state formulas. The November 3, 2026 measures continue a statewide pattern in which local property and income tax votes determine how new school buildings and operations are paid for.
Homeowners and income earners in these districts would see higher property or income tax bills if the measures pass, with Pickerington's proposal raising its school income tax rate from 1% to 1.75%. Residents should review each district's specific rate and repayment term on the ballot before the November vote.
The takeaway
Ballot measures like these set the funding for school buildings and operations for decades, so the terms on the November 3, 2026 ballot matter well beyond a single election. Residents can compare the proposed tax rates and repayment periods district by district before voting.
What happens next
Voters in the affected central Ohio districts will decide these measures on November 3, 2026, and any approved taxes would begin generating revenue on January 1 of the following year.
Further reading
For related coverage of how schools are governed and funded, see Administration in the education section.
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Would you vote yes on a higher local tax to fund school buildings?
