What Is A School Safety Referendum?
During the 2019 Indiana Legislative Session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 127, allowing schools the opportunity to seek a property tax referendum to fund school safety initiatives such as:
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Employ School Resource Officers (SRO’s) -
Conduct Threat Assessments -
Update School Safety Plans -
Develop or Update School Emergency Response Systems -
Purchase Equipment to Improve Safety of Building Grounds or Buses -
Establish a School Safety Office -
Improve Overall Safety of our Schools -
Implement Programs Addressing Mental Illness, Addiction, Anger Management, Bullying and/or School Violence Prevention -
Professional Development for Staff
How Will The Referendum Money Be Used?
How Would My Property Taxes Be Impacted?
Find out exactly how your taxes will be impacted by using the 2020 Safety Referendum Tax Calculator. If approved, the approved levy would last for 8 consecutive years.
How Many Local Students & Staff Would Be Supported By This Referendum?
11,660 students and 1,350 faculty attend and work daily in the NAFC Schools.
Are Other Funding Sources Available?
Why Are Mental Health Services Important?
By continuing to provide mental health support to our students we can be proactive in identifying and helping students in need. People want to send their children to safe schools and this referendum will help ensure a higher level of school safety of our students. Mental health services help to prevent violence in our schools which protects students and staff.
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1 in 5 children age 13-18 have or will have a mental illness -
50% of children age 8-15 experiencing a mental health condition do not receive treatment -
70% of youth in juvenile justice settings meet criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis -
40% of kids with diagnosable ADHD are not getting treatment -
60% of kids with diagnosable depression are not getting treatment -
80% of kids with a diagnosable anxiety disorder are not getting treatment -
17% of high school students seriously consider suicide -
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24 -
1 in 4 parents find it difficult to obtain mental health services for their child -
Last year, there were 46 school shootings in the U.S.
How Will The Referendum Question Appear On Your Ballot?
How Can I Get Involved In The Referendum?
Our students benefit from volunteers who help get the word out to all potential voters within our community. Examples include face-to-face education, phone calls, social media posts, or simply displaying a yard sign to show that this referendum is important to the community.
How Do I Become A Registered Voter In Indiana?
Just follow this Voter Registration Link to become a registered voter in Indiana.
Where Can I Find Out More About Indiana School Referendums?
The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) website has more information.