We want to inform all TASD families about the importance of the 2020 Census and how it affects our school system as a whole.
The information and resources provided below have been pulled from the Arkansas 2020 Census website, the US 2020 Census website, and the US Census Bureau website to inform and update residents on the basics and importance of this Census.
Who should take the Census:
Everyone living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories is required by law to be counted in the 2020 Census. We encourage everyone to participate, as your response will help your family and community get their fair share of resources, services, and representation.
What the US Census Involves:
- The US census creates a picture of our country. It’s a population count of every person living in the United States, required by the Constitution and done every 10 years.
- The Census is easy to complete: It contains nine questions that can be filled out on any device with an internet connection as well as by mail or by phone.
- It will not ask questions about immigration or citizenship.
- The Census is safe and confidential. Many steps are taken to protect everyone’s data, and federal law strictly limits how the information can be used.
Why participation is important:
- The 2020 census will have a significant impact on all Public Education, including the Texarkana Arkansas Public School system.
- The data collected is important to determine the allocation/distribution for Arkansas which will impact a wide range of critical services including public education, hospitals, public works, etc.
Going one step further, here is how the 2020 Census Affects Children:
The 2020 Census count impacts the federal funds that communities receive each year for programs and services that are critical for schools, students, and younger children, such as:
- Special education, Head Start, after-school programs, and classroom technology.
- Food assistance, including free and reduced-price school lunches.
- Maternal and child health programs.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- March 12 - 20: Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
- March 30 - April 1: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness over these three days. As part of this process, the Census Bureau counts people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.
- April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you'll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
- April: Census takers will begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.
- May - July: Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
- December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.