New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the approval of 59 Smart Schools Investment Plans focused on reimagining education in an evolving age and boosting school security. The approved plans, totaling $27 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, a sweeping education technology program established in 2014.
Hochul said, “These investments not only provide a safer learning environment, but will give our students a greater understanding of the utilities available to them in the world they will graduate into.”
The Smart Schools Review Board recently met for the 21st time to consider investment plans submitted by school districts and special education schools. The board is composed of the New York State Budget Director, the Chancellor of the State University of New York, and the Commissioner of the State Education Department.
The plans approved by the board were submitted by 53 school districts and two special education schools. Projects include $21 million for high-tech security, $4.4 million for classroom technology, $1 million for pre-kindergarten classrooms, $604,000 for school connectivity, and $37,000 for nonpublic schools’ classroom technology and school connectivity. A summary of the plans is available here.
The investments authorized will help ensure student safety and modernize classrooms statewide.
High-tech security tools supported by the Smart Schools Bond Act include entry control systems, video systems, and emergency classroom notification systems. These upgrades will enhance the safety of New York schools, helping to ensure that students are able to learn in a secure environment.
New technology purchases supported by the Smart Schools Bond Act include computer servers, interactive whiteboards, tablets, desktop, and laptop computers, as well as high-speed broadband and wireless connectivity. These tools empower students to individualize their learning, expand opportunities for learning both inside and outside the classroom, and promote parent-teacher communication.