About Pickerington Kindergarten Center

The new Kindergarten Center marks a significant step forward for the District, with the expansion of free, all-day kindergarten alongside a continued half-day option for families. Building on the success of the District’s two-year pilot program at Tussing Elementary, the new center will bring most of the kindergarten students together in one location while continuing the all-day program at Tussing.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as principal of the Kindergarten Center,” McKinney said. “Early childhood education has always been close to my heart, and much of my career has been dedicated to supporting young learners and helping schools create strong foundations for student success. To have the opportunity to help launch a brand-new school community from the very beginning is both exciting and deeply meaningful to me personally and professionally.”

“What excites me most is the opportunity to shape a child’s very first school experience,” McKinney said. “Kindergarten is where students begin building confidence, curiosity, relationships, and a love for learning. A building designed entirely for our youngest learners allows us to intentionally create environments, routines, and experiences that support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.”