Photo courtesy of New York Governor's Office.
Photo courtesy of New York Governor’s Office.
New York’s Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on March 6 approval of 52 Smart Schools Investment Plans aimed at improving school security and reimagining teaching and learning for the 21st century. The approved plans, totaling $50 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 will help ensure safety, modernize classrooms across New York, and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the global economy.
“The Smart Schools Bond Act is playing a critical role in ensuring school safety and modernizing outdated classrooms,” Gov. Cuomo said. “This funding expands educational opportunity and provides students with the skills and technology they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy.”
The Smart Schools Review Board met for the twelfth time to consider investment plans submitted by school districts and special education schools. 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 in March were submitted by 43 school districts and seven special education schools. Projects include $30 million for high-tech security projects, $16.7 million for school connectivity projects, and $3.2 million for classroom technology purchases. A summary of the 52 plans is available here.