Investing in our future; Sen. Murphy secures nearly $3 million for local school districts

Albany, NY - Advancements in technology have turned the digital world into a fertile landing place for bright, creative students. To help turn today's students into tomorrow's pioneers in technology and business, Senator Terrence Murphy has secured nearly $3 million for schools in the 40th Senate District through the Smart Schools Bond Act.
 
Carmel Central School District will receive $1,306,189; Chappaqua Central School District $453,075; Croton-Harmon Union Free School District $346,118; Mahopac Central School District $196,704, and Pawling Central School District will get $616,065.
 
"These Smart School Investment plans will help put our school districts on the cutting edge of digital technology and give students the tools they need to succeed in today's highly competitive economy," said Senator Murphy. "Ensuring local school districts have access to first-rate technology will pay dividends when these students join the workforce in the Hudson Valley."
 
"Our mission has always been to ensure that every student in our schools acquires the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills that will permit him or her to lead a successful, productive life in an ever changing world," said Leslie Mancuso, President of the Mahopac Central School District Board of Education. "This grant is wonderful plus for the district that will help us modernize our classroom technology and better serve our students."
 
Dr. William Ward, Superintendent of Schools for the Pawling Central School District said, "We are very pleased the funds will soon be available to finance our planned upgrades. We plan to improve our broadband connectivity by adding new network switches, core switches, and servers. We will also upgrade the hand-held devices used in our classrooms, including tablets, laptop computers and white boards. Lastly, and of equal importance, the funds will also be used to enhance our high-tech security systems. Thank you, Senator Murphy for procuring the funds to help us make these improvements."
 
Funding from the Smart Schools Bond Act allows school districts to invest 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.
 
The Smart Schools Bond Act was passed in 2014 by a statewide referendum. The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) supports educational technology and infrastructure to improve teaching and learning. It focuses on six main areas of funds: construct or modernize educational facilities for pre-kindergarteners, install high-speed broadband or wireless, community connectivity, replace transportable classroom, install high-tech security features and acquire technology equipment.