• Smart Schools Plan Overview

    In January 2014, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed for New York State to invest $2 billion to the school districts in the state for educational technology and infrastructure. The initiative was called the Smart Schools Bond Act and was approved by New York State residents in a vote in November 2014.   

    The Smart Schools Bond Act provides money to school districts in New York to allow students the needed technology and connectivity to succeed and compete in the global economy. The funding is available to be used for the following types of projects. 

    • Acquire learning technology equipment or facilities, including but not limited to interactive whiteboards, computer servers, and desktop, laptop, and tablet computers.   
    • Install high-speed broadband or wireless internet connectivity for schools and communities. 
    • Construct, enhance, and modernize educational facilities to accommodate prekindergarten programs and to provide instructional space to replace classroom trailers. 
    • Install high-tech security features in school buildings and on school campuses, including but not limited to video surveillance, emergency notification systems, and physical access controls.   

    The Falconer Central School District was allocated $1,108,739 for use through the Smart Schools Bond Act to be used for the above project types. All Smart Schools Bond Act projects must be approved by the New York State Education Department and are fully reimbursable, but school districts must spend the money upfront and submit for reimbursement. The Falconer Central School District completed a Smart Schools Bond Act Plan for $173,584.26 in 2021, leaving the District with a remaining Smart Schools Bond Act allocation of $935,154.74.

     

    Step 1 of our Smart Schools Plan was to improve our technology infrastructure in order to handle current and future technology demands. With Step 1 complete, Step 2 intends to upgrade classroom technology across the District. Part of the process is to provide time for the public to review and comment on the proposal.
     
     
Last Modified on August 2, 2022