Murphy announces $2.4 million in smart schools investment plans

ALBANY, NY - While New York State is on the cutting edge of innovation and technology in many areas, some schools in the Hudson Valley remain in the past. To help transform our classrooms from the classrooms of yesterday to the classrooms of tomorrow, Senator Terrence Murphy has secured $2.4 million for schools in the 40th Senate District through the Smart Schools Bond Act.

"The Smart Schools Bond Act will support investments in education technology that will equip students with the skills they need to thrive and succeed in the twenty-first century global economy," Senator Murphy said. "These investments will help close the 'digital divide' and increase access to technology and high-speed broadband in school districts throughout the Hudson Valley."

Bedford School District will receive $620, 202; Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District $707,629; Pleasantville Union Free District $432,564, and the Yorktown Central School District will get $700,025.

"We were thrilled that our Smart Schools Investment Plan application was approved," said Dr. Ralph Napolitano, superintendent for the Yorktown Central School District. "We plan to use the initial $700,000 to upgrade our network infrastructure, particularly our wireless access. This will allow us to maintain and grow our rich, digital learning environment for all our students and staff. We thank Senator Murphy for his continued support of the Yorktown Central School District."

"We are going to use the money from the Smart Schools Bond Act to strengthen our technological infrastructure, which underlies everything we do in the district," said Andrew Selesnick, superintendent for Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District. "The improved access to modern technology provided by these funds will support our efforts to ensure our students have the tools they need to excel in class and be prepared for college."

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

Governor Andrew Cuomo previously announced a statewide investment plan totaling $43 million as part of a $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act. The statewide plan encompasses 36 school districts 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.

In 2014, Governor Cuomo called for New York State to invest $2 billion in its schools through a Smart Schools Bond Act - an initiative that would finance educational technology and infrastructure, providing students access to the latest technology and connectivity needed to succeed and compete in the 21st century economy. New Yorker's agreed and voted in the Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) that November.