Floyd County Democratic Party Endorses NAFC School Safety Referendum

Party critical of state’s lack of support for public education

 
New Albany, April 29, 2020 – The Floyd County Democratic Party has announced their support for the New Albany Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation (NAFC Schools) Safety Referendum set for the Primary Election on June 2nd. The endorsement was made official by a unanimous vote of the party’s Central Committee.

“Our candidates, public officeholders, precinct committee members, and other party members all feel strongly about the NAFC School safety referendum,” stated Party Chair Adam Dickey. “Our children are our community’s most valuable asset and we must ensure that our schools are well equipped to meet the safety challenges of the world in which we live.”

The school safety referendum, allowed under a 2019 act approved by the Indiana General Assembly, would provide for several new measures designed to enhance existing security and provide services to prevent school related threats. These include the establishment of a school corporation safety office, employment of additional school resource officers, equipment purchases for improved building and bus safety, conducting threat assessments and updating school safety plans, as well as programs addressing mental health, addiction, bullying and school violence prevention.

“Our party seriously weighs initiatives like this and their cost to taxpayers,” stated Dickey. “Floyd County voters should vote ‘yes’ to this referendum because of the importance of the safety enhancements and the low impact this will have on property taxes.”

If approved by Floyd County voters, the ultimate impact to our overall school tax rate would be one cent over the 2018 tax rate in accordance with annual fluctuation.

While the Party supports the referendum as an opportunity for community members to invest in public education in Floyd County, Party leaders are critical of the overall referendum process and lack of support shown for public education by Governor Holcomb and members of the Indiana General Assembly.

“All Hoosier children deserve access to a safe school and the resources brought by this referendum,” Dickey stated. “They should not be reserved just for those living in school districts with the willingness and ability to run successful campaigns to ensure educational funding.”

Dickey specifically noted missed opportunities as part of the 2020 legislative session to change the referendum process and provide funding to school corporations.  
 
“Earlier this year, our own State Representative, Republican Ed Clere, had the opportunity to not only support changing a flawed referendum system that handcuffs school corporations, but also to approve additional funding through state government to provide for school safety improvements,” noted Dickey.

“Instead, he voted ‘no’ against the funding measure and continues to be openly hostile toward public schools and our educators.”

Dickey hopes this referendum will continue to assert the community’s commitment to public education despite the actions of state leaders.

“This referendum offers individuals the chance to invest in the future of our community,” he said. “In providing a safe and strong education, we will greatly enhance the economic growth and quality of life for our citizens.”

For more information, individuals should visit online at https://www.sosfloydcounty.com
 

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