STATEHOUSE (Aug. 10, 2018) — State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) today announced his plan to introduce a bill during the 2019 legislative session that would create a school safety referendum option for school corporations.
The referendum would work the same as an operating referendum, but the term could be up to 10 years.
“This legislation could allow schools to make locally based decisions that lead to improved school safety in Indiana,” Holdman said. “It is important to remember each school is unique and has their own specific challenges. Helping improve the list of school safety options available at the local level will help ensure we protect our students, teachers and schools.”
The proceeds of the referendum could be used to:
• Fund school resource officers;
• Fund a school safety office;
• Employ a mental health professional within the school system;
• Conduct a threat or needs assessment of each school’s buildings;
• Create and update a school safety plan;
• Fund school emergency response systems;
• Buy equipment or technology to make school buildings safer;
• Provide capital expenses to make the school buildings safer;
• Create programs to address youth-specific mental illness, addiction, anger management and school violence; and
• Implement professional development programs for teachers, administrators and school employees designed to improve school safety and reduce violence.
All expenditures of the school safety referendum would have to be included in the school’s safety plan. Holdman also said additional public hearings would be required for a proposed referendum to assure community involvement and input. Schools would also be required to consult with their local law enforcement officials in developing the plan for the use of the tax dollars for school safety measures.
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For a high-resolution photo of Sen. Holdman, click here.
