Safety & Security Levies
The work of keeping students safe at school is ongoing and evolving as our district responds to safety threats that have changed dramatically over the past decade, from cyber threats to gun violence.
If approved by voters, the Safety & Security Levy will pay for these improvements:
-
- Safety upgrades for Helena’s two high schools, including secure entrances and exits and security cameras.
- Door fob systems for external entrances/exits to prevent doors from being propped open and enable quick re-entry in an emergency.
- School nurses, counselors and mental health support to foster safe school environments.
- Additional School Resource Officer (SRO) staffing, including security for sports and other extracurriculars.
- Software and IT support for security equipment such as cameras, door locks and emergency alert systems.
- Active shooter training and other safety training for students and staff.
Safety can’t wait
Today’s students and educators must contend with dangers that weren’t faced by previous generations. Over the past six years, the number of school shootings has spiked dramatically – from fewer than 60 shootings a year between 1966 and 2017, to an average of nearly 212 a year between 2018 and 2023. There were 348 school shootings in the United States last year alone. We wish we didn’t have to talk about these numbers, but they are the reality we face.
Our district has made great strides in protecting our students and staff. In 2017, Helena voters approved an elementary school bond measure that – in addition to building three new schools – paid for secure, keyless entry systems and other security improvements for our elementary and middle schools. Helena Public Schools is grateful for our community’s help to keep students and staff safe and secure.
However, there is much work ahead.
Voter approval of the Safety & Security Levies would provide for a wide range of facilities improvements. These include everything from classroom window coverings (which can be closed in the event of a security threat), to improved air conditioning (now a necessity because windows and doors must be kept closed and secured during the warm months of spring and fall), to door lock indicators that would enable teachers to know with certainty that their classroom door is secured in an emergency – preventing second-guessing and fumbling that can cost precious seconds in an emergency. In addition, the levies would pay for updated fire detection and alarm systems and other safety upgrades, such as repair and replacement of playground equipment.
We work closely with our partners in local enforcement every day to keep our schools safe. The levy would provide additional School Resource Officer (SRO) staffing, including security for sports and other extracurriculars.
And because mental health is the foundation of safe and healthy school environments, the levy would fund mental health support programs, mental health response teams, school nurses and counselors.
Statistics Source: Riedman, David (2023). K-12 School Shooting Database.
How much will the Safety & Security Levies cost me as a taxpayer?
Note: The Safety & Security Levies are divided into two parts – one for K-8 (Elementary Safety & Security Levy) and one for 9-12 (High School Safety & Security Levy)
Elementary Safety & Security Levy: Estimated $61.90 increase annually for a $100,000 home.
High School Safety & Security Levy: Estimated $26.76 increase annually for a $100,000 home.
Total Estimated Annual Increase for the Elementary and High School Safety & Security Levies Combined: $88.66 for a $100,000 home
* Residents of the rural district comprised of the Wolf Creek and Trinity Elementary Schools would be assessed the High School Safety & Security Levy only, which is an annual increase of $26.76 annually for a $100,000 home.
Please note that the levy is based on your home’s value shown on your annual property tax bill, not the amount you could sell your home for today.
To determine the total annual increase of the Elementary and High School Safety & Security Levies combined for your home, multiply the total annual cost per $100,000 of your home’s value. For example:
Annual Increase for a $100,000 home (1 x $88.66): $88.66
Annual Increase for a $300,000 home (3 x 88.66): $265.98
Annual Increase for a $600,000 home (6 x $88.66): $531.96