Governor Cuomo Announces Approval of 154 Smart Schools Investment Plans, Totaling $103.2 Million
Closes the "Digital Divide" and Increases Access to Technology and High-Speed Broadband in Hundreds of Schools Across New York
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced approval of 154 Smart Schools
Investment Plans aimed at reimagining teaching and learning for the 21st
century. The approved plans, totaling $103.2 million, are part of the
$2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act - a sweeping education technology initiative
first proposed by the Governor and overwhelmingly approved by voters.
The investments authorized today will modernize classrooms across New
York and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the global economy.
"By investing in modern technology for classrooms across the state,
we expand educational opportunity, increase student engagement, boost
achievement, and close the digital divide,"
Governor Cuomo said. "This funding equips students with the skills and technology they
need to succeed in the modern economy and build a stronger New York for
all."
The Smart Schools Review Board met today for the fifth time to consider
investment plans submitted by school districts. The 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.
The plans approved today were submitted by 136 school districts and 8
special education schools. Projects include $43.3 million for school connectivity
projects, $40.6 million for classroom technology purchases, $15.6 mil
lion for high-tech security projects, and $3.7 million to construct prekindergarten
classrooms and to replace transportable classrooms.
A summary of the 154 plans is available
here.
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 Yorkers agreed, as the voters
authorized 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 plans approved today by
the Smart Schools Review Board reflect many of the best practices identified
by the Commission.
State Budget Director Robert F. Mujica said,"The Smart Schools program
is revolutionizing classrooms in New York and the plans approved today
will advance learning, ensure connectivity, and position students for
success in the economy of tomorrow."
State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said, "We are
making sure that our schools have the right technological tools and capacity
to connect students with the world to help prepare those children for
the future?whether that's in college or the work force. Districts
are making ma jor investments in school connectivity, school security,
and in individual devices that will allow students to expand their knowledge,
to practice skills where they need additional help, and to learn how to
communicate and share their knowledge with others."
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, "Our students are better served
when advances in technology, resources, and tools get in the hands of
our teachers. The governor's ongoing investment in Smart Schools does
just that, and more students continue to benefit. The financial support
provided today will boost our students' abilities to succeed in the
classroom, in their future careers, and in life."