Yorktown Schools Get Grant in NY Smart Schools Investment Program

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The Yorktown school district is among the 36 Smart Schools Investment Plans totaling $43 million that were approved Tuesday as part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act.

Yorktown will receive $700,025.

The Act, first proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and approved by voters in 2014, supports investments in education technology to equip students with the skills to thrive and succeed in the global economy.

“Access to high-speed internet and new technology should never depend on your zip code – and with the Smart Schools Bond Act, we are expanding educational opportunity in every corner of the state,” Cuomo said in his announcement about the approved plans. “This funding will help enhance teaching and learning for the 21st century, improve educational outcomes, and prepare today’s students to be the future leaders of tomorrow.”

The Smart Schools Review Board met Tuesday for the second time. It 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 36 plans the board approved total $43 million and will fund several new projects, including $22.8 million for classroom technology purchases, $12.9 million for school connectivity projects, $5.3 million for high-tech security projects, and $2.1 million for pre-kindergarten classroom projects.

A summary of these 36 plans is available here.

Following the proposal of the Bond Act, 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 Tuesday by the Smart Schools Review Board reflect many of the best practices identified by the Commission.

State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said, “I am thrilled that a new round of Smart Schools funding is being announced today. These funds will enable schools to provide our students with the tools, the technology and the skills they’ll need in the classroom and beyond -- whether they go on to college or the workforce.”

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.

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