Kentucky School District Wants to Increase Tax Rate to Pay for State-Mandated Safety Improvements

Kentucky School District Wants to Increase Tax Rate to Pay for State-Mandated Safety Improvements

Kentucky law now requires schools to have certain safety measures in place such as cameras and electric locks. However, the state is not fully funding this initiative causing some school districts to consider raising taxes.

School districts in Kentucky are now tasked with implementing state-mandated school safety improvements that are a part of Senate Bill 1.

The Bowling Green Daily News reported the Bowling Green Independent School District is concerned about how it will fund the safety improvements despite the state saying it will dedicate funds in next year’s budget.

To make sure the district has enough funding, the ISD wants board members to improve a tax rate increase.

The rate under consideration is 84.5 cents per $100 of real and personal property. The current rate is 82.8 cents per $100 of real and personal property. If approved, the rate is expected to generate $13 million.

SB 1, which was enacted in March, requires schools to have cameras and intercom systems, electronic locks and other safety enhancements that can be used during a school threat, according to the legislation.The bill states that schools must have this done no later than July 1, 2022.

The Courier Journal reported the bill was prompted by last year’s shooting at Marshall County High School in which two students were killed.

Although the bill addresses safety improvements, some legislators pointed out it does not address gun safety.

"Something we left out is some gun safety legislation," said Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, a Louisville Democrat. "I would love to see some gun safety legislation in the future."

Rep. George Brown, a Lexington Democrat, also commented on the matter.

"We have to do something to address guns that permeate our society," Brown said. "We are deaf, dumb and blind if we don't address that issue."

About the Author

Sherelle Black is a Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Black Hills State University Takes an Open, Scalable Approach to Video Security

    Black Hills State University recognized the need for a centralized video system to improve campus security and streamline operations. The university sought a solution that could unify its main campus with a satellite location, enable cross-department access, and scale with future growth. By implementing open platform video technology, BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security infrastructure. Read Now

  • Pennsylvania School Uses Locked, Rolling Security Grille to Control Spectators, Secure Building

    St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic elementary school that serves students from Pre-K through grade 8. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Jude offers diverse educational programs designed to foster a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and extracurricular activities like sports are an integral part of promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Read Now

  • Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies Modernize Academic and Social Hub

    In spring 2023, the University of Pittsburgh opened the doors to a seven-story west wing addition to Alan Magee Scaife Hall. The medical school building features several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community. Read Now

  • Access Control Trends Continue to Strengthen School Safety Security

    Class period bells have been ringing across campuses for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean the subject of safety was fully settled before the start of the new school year. As one wise person once said, “It’s a journey, not a destination”. That’s why it remains a leading issue among administrators, faculty, students, and communities. Schools are striving to be at the top of their class when it comes to the ability to control access instantly and securely, monitor suspicious behavior accurately and consistently, and respond to threats immediately and effectively. Ultimately, they aim to provide a reassuring, comfortable, and conducive environment for a rich learning experience. These goals apply whether at a community college in Southern California, a major university in Pennsylvania, or a rural K-12 district in Michigan. Read Now