The Poughkeepsie City School District is gaining funds to upgrade technology.

On Thursday, the New York State Education Department approved a portion of the district’s $5.7 million Smart Bond plan, giving Poughkeepsie access to $1.7 million to purchase instructional technology equipment, according to a release from the district.

Poughkeepsie is among 148 school districts in the state that were approved for funding for upgrades as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Smart Schools Bond Act. The investment plan’s objectives are to improve classroom technology, school security and school connectivity.

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The district is aiming to provide each student with a device “as a tool to enhance student learning and instruction,” the release said. The district is coordinating with suppliers and BOCES to provide the devices.

The Poughkeepsie City School District’s website says it will release its reopening plan on Aug. 7. Many school districts are rolling out their plans, which include hybrid models of in-person learning and distance learning, as concerns due the coronavirus pandemic remain.

“It is coming at an opportune time for us as we are considering how to embed technology in the delivery of instruction in the 2020-21 school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Poughkeepsie superintendent Eric Rosser said in a statement. “Whether we are using a hybrid model, in-person or distance learning, technology will be playing a greater role in instruction.”

In a statement, Cuomo said, “As the ongoing public health crisis has shown, now more than ever we must do everything possible to help schools modernize their infrastructure and are equipped to keep students up with their studies even when they can’t be in the classroom.” 

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJ_Martelli

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