High-Tech Funding Given to Mamaroneck Schools

Another 30 Smart Schools Investment Plans have been approved as part of New York's $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act — and the Mamaroneck Union Free School District will receive funds.

"Through the Smart Schools Bond Act, we are ensuring that all New York students have access to high-speed internet and new technology, regardless of their zip code," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in his announcement. "The tools and resources schools will be able to attain with this funding will help equip the next generation of New Yorkers to lead this state into the future."

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.

Locally:

• The Mahopac Central School District will receive $673,061. Of that, $186,538 is slated to go to classroom technology and the rest to school connectivity/high-speed broadband.
• The Clarkstown Central School District will receive $2,806,902. The bulk of that will be spent on school connectivity, with $223,627 earmarked for new classroom technology.
• The Ramapo Central School District will receive $871,369. Of that, $250,519 is slated to go to high-tech security, and the rest to school connectivity.
• The Mamaroneck schools will receive $536,892 — all earmarked for school connectivity.
• The city school district of New Rochelle will receive $3,426,511. Of that, $399,979 will be spent on high-tech security. The rest will be divided between school connectivity and classroom technology.
• Under a section of the funding called the Special Education Smart Schools Investment Plans, the Mount Pleasant-Blythedale special district will receive $32,314.

Voters approved the Smart Schools Bond Act in 2014. Afterward, Cuomo established the Smart Schools Commission to gather information on strategies for how schools could 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 by the Smart Schools Review Board reflect many of the best practices identified by the Commission.

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 30 plans the board approved July 29 total $39 million and will fund several new projects, including $9.3 million for classroom technology purchases, $21.4 million for school connectivity projects and $7.9 million for high-tech security projects. This includes the approval of the first Special Education Smart Schools Investment plan, supporting $32,000 in classroom technology.

A summary of all 30 plans is available here.

"Our ongoing investment in Smart Schools equips our schools with the resources and tools needed to educate our students," SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said. "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."