Governor Cuomo Announces Approval of 65 Smart Schools Investment Plans, Totaling $44 Million
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced 65 Smart Schools Investment Plans totaling $44 million have been approved as part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act – a sweeping initiative aimed at reimagining teaching and learning for the 21st century. The Act, first proposed by the Governor and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2014, supports investments in education technology that will equip students with the skills they need to thrive and succeed in the global economy. Together, these investments will help close the "digital divide" and increase access to technology and high-speed broadband in hundreds of schools across New York.
"The Smart Schools Bond act has played a critical role in expanding
educational opportunity by helping schools modernize outdated classrooms,"
Governor Cuomo said. "This funding ensures that all of New York's students –no
matter their zip code—have access to the technology that has become
so essential to modern education by preparing them to meet the demands of the 21st century economy."
With the Smart Schools Act, school districts are investing in technology
such as computer servers, interactive whiteboards, tablets, desktop and
laptop computers, and high-speed broadband and wireless connectivity.
This technology helps students to learn at their own pace, expands access
to advanced courses and interactive curriculum, and enhances communication
between parents and teachers. Smart schools funds will also facilitate
necessary investments in pre-kindergarten classrooms, removal of classroom
trailers and high-tech school security.
The 65 plans approved by the Smart Schools Review Board and will fund
several new projects, including $27.1 million for classroom technology
purchases, $10.4 million for school connectivity projects, $3.5 million
for high-tech security projects and $2.9 million to construct pre-kindergarten
classrooms. This includes the approval of four Special Education Smart
Schools Investment plans, supporting approximately $160,000 in classroom
technology, $13,000 in high-tech security and $3,000 in school connectivity.
A summary of these 65 plans is available
here.
The Smart Schools Review Board is comprised of the Director of the Budget,
the Chancellor of the State University of New York, and the Commissioner
of the State Education Department.
State Budget Director Robert F. Mujica said, "The plans approved today will transform classrooms into modern learning
centers and prepare students to participate in tomorrow’s economy."
State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said, "More than 175 school districts across New York State are now moving
forward with thoughtful plans to ensure they have the technological tools
and infrastructure to help our 21st century learners prepare for successful futures. The State Education Department
continues to work to help districts prepare plans that will benefit children
long after they leave school by providing them with the skills needed
in today’s innovative workforce."
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, "The Governor's ongoing investment in Smart Schools equips our
schools with the resources and tools needed to educate more students and
educate them better. The financial support provided today will boost our
students’ abilities to succeed in the classroom, in their future
careers, and in life. Congratulations to all of the schools and programs
that will benefit from these awards."
In 2014, Governor Cuomo called for New York State to invest $2 billion
in its schools through a Smart Schools Bond Act – an initiative
that would finance educational technology and infrastructure, providing
students access to the latest technology and connectivity needed to succeed
and compete in the 21st century economy. New Yorker’s agreed and
voted in the Smart Schools Bond Act that November.
Following the proposal of the Bond Act, Governor Cuomo established the
Smart Schools Commission to gather information on strategies for how schools
can most effectively invest the bond funds. This advisory commission produced a
final report recommending a focus on expanding robust broadband and wireless connectivity
and utilizing transformative technologies. The 65 plans approved by the
Smart Schools Review Board reflect many of the best practices identified
by the Commission.