Klein Delivers $100,000 in New Funding for Tablets, Laptops, and New Technology at Mount Vernon Public Schools

MOUNT VERNON, NY– Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) announced a $100,000 direct aid grant for Mount Vernon schools that will be used to fund updated technology for 6th and 7th grade students within newly restructured schools in the Mount Vernon school district including Graham Elementary, Pennington Elementary, and Longfellow Middle School. These technology upgrades include new tablets, Smart Boards and lap tops for 6th and 7th grade students impacted by the first phase of a district-wide transition to a K-8 school model for the coming school year.

Senator Klein was joined by State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Mount Vernon Interim Superintendent of Schools Judith Johnson, in addition to parents, teachers and the principals from the local schools who stand to benefit from Senator Klein’s grant. The press conference was held outside of Pennington Elementary School, one of the recipient schools of Klein’s funding. 

Senator Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said: “Investing in cutting edge, digital classrooms is an integral part of keeping our students three steps ahead. All of these tools--from Smart Boards, to tablets, to new laptops--make the curriculum more interactive and train our students to use devices that will be essential in tomorrow's economy. That's why I was pleased to deliver a $100,000 grant that will go directly to helping Mount Vernon’s schools acquire this new technology. My commitment to ensuring that our schools have the resources they need to deliver a first rate education has never been stronger.”

Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx/Westchester) said: “Primary and secondary schooling should offer the necessary tools and building blocks for a life of learning.  Studies have shown that iPads enhance our students’ educational experiences. I would like to thank Senator Klein for his leadership in securing this funding for our Mount Vernon Schools. It is critical that we provide our future leaders with a strong foundation so that they are competitive with every other student in our country and throughout the world.”

Mount Vernon Interim Superintendent of Schools Judith Johnson said:  "Our schools are faced with growing financial demands while student needs are also on the rise. Through ongoing research, we understand  why achievement at the middle school level falters across the country. We have to be smarter in our spending so we can adequately prepare our students for high school and their futures. On behalf of the entire Board of Education, I wish to extend our appreciation to Senator Klein for his leadership in securing this grant and also to Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson for her continued support.