Governor Kathy Hochul immediately introduced the approval of 61 Smart Schools Investment Plans centered on reimagining training in an evolving age and boosting faculty safety. The accepted plans, totaling $31.4 million, are a part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, a sweeping training expertise program.

The Smart Schools Review Board met immediately for the nineteenth time to think about funding plans submitted by faculty districts and particular training colleges. The Board consists 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 accepted by the Board have been submitted by 57 faculty districts and one particular training faculty. Projects embody $16.6 million for high-tech safety, $7.2 million for classroom expertise, $7.1 million for varsity connectivity, and $500,000 for nonpublic colleges’ classroom expertise and college connectivity. A abstract of the plans is available here.

The investments licensed immediately will assist guarantee scholar security and modernize school rooms statewide. High-tech safety instruments supported by the Smart Schools Bond Act embody entry management programs, video programs, and emergency classroom notification programs. These upgrades are vital because the State and native companions work to bolster the security of all public areas.

New expertise purchases supported by the Smart Schools Bond Act embody pc servers, interactive whiteboards, tablets, desktop and laptop computer computer systems, and high-speed broadband and wi-fi connectivity. These instruments assist college students to be taught at their very own tempo, prolong alternatives for interactive experiences each inside and out of doors the classroom, and promote parent-teacher communication. These purchases are notably very important within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving to college students to be taught and succeed below a number of studying fashions together with distant studying when crucial.

New York State Division of Budget Director Robert Menga stated, “As we continue to emerge from the pandemic disruptions in the classroom, the Smart Schools Bond Act is helping schools prepare students to thrive in their academic career and in the workforce. The plans approved today will enhance school security to keep children safe, while providing the technology and enhanced tools of a modern, connected classroom.”

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa stated, “We are seeing many innovative educational approaches in these plans that use technology to inspire teachers and better engage students to improve their learning experience. We continue to work closely with the other members of the SSBA Board to ensure that district plans use allocated funds in ways that benefit schools and the communities that surround them.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated, “Far too many students suffered educationally and socially during the pandemic because of a lack of reliable technology, and infrastructure to support it. In today’s classroom, notebooks, pens, pencils, and even chalkboards are not sufficient, and must be accompanied by tablets, interactive whiteboards, and other new tools. Technology is constantly evolving, and so should our schools’ use of technology to teach. For nearly a decade, the Smart Schools Bond Act has enhanced digital learning by providing students and educators the technology they need to succeed.”

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. stated, “The number one priority for the New York State Board of Regents and Department is increasing equity for all students. The Smart Schools Bond Act is helping districts statewide to upgrade their safety and technological systems, giving parents and students greater peace of mind and expanding access to 21^st Century technology that is critical in our ever-evolving economy.”

In 2014, New York State invested $2 billion in its colleges via a Smart Schools Bond Act—an initiative to finance academic expertise and infrastructure, offering college students entry to the newest expertise and connectivity wanted to succeed and compete within the twenty first century economic system. New Yorkers agreed, because the voters licensed the Smart Schools Bond Act that November.

Following the proposal of the Bond Act, the Smart Schools Commission was established to assemble data on methods for the way colleges can most successfully make investments the bond funds. This advisory fee really helpful a give attention to increasing sturdy broadband and wi-fi connectivity and using transformative applied sciences. The plans accepted immediately by the Smart Schools Review Board replicate lots of the greatest practices recognized by the Commission.