Harckham Announces Smart School Grants for Two Local School Districts

Peekskill, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that two school districts in the 40th Senate District were included in the approval of 78 Smart Schools Investment Plans aimed at improving school security and reimagining teaching and learning for the 21st century. The Carmel Central School District is receiving more than $1.1 million of funding and $230,000 is heading to the North Salem Central School District.

The 78 approved plans, totaling $59.9 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act—a sweeping education technology initiative first proposed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and overwhelmingly approved by voters.

“The pandemic has challenged our local school districts in so many ways, particularly in maintaining strong connections with students in learning situations,” said Harckham. “The Smart Schools Bond Act will help school districts to secure the latest technologies to bolster classroom communications and enhance educational experiences for both teachers and students.”

The Smart Schools Review Board, composed of the state’s Director of the Budget, the Chancellor of the State University of New York and the Commissioner of the State Education Department, met recently to consider investment plans submitted by school districts and special education schools.

The plans that were approved among those submitted (by 72 school districts and two special education schools) include $21.2 million for high-tech security, $16.7 million for school connectivity, $14.6 million for classroom technology, $5.3 million for pre-kindergarten classrooms, $1.1 million for the replacement of transportable classroom units and $1.1 million for nonpublic schools' classroom technology and school connectivity.

The Carmel Central School District is receiving a total of $1,121,081, with about $704,000 earmarked for classroom technology and $416,000 for high-tech security. Meanwhile, the North Salem Central School District is receiving a total of $230,361, with $213,270 earmarked for classroom technology and $16,991 for school connectivity.