To improve EdTech products in NY classrooms, a portion of the $2 Billion Smart Schools Bond Act has been allocated by the Smart Schools Review Board 

Following a Smart Schools Review Board meeting, an announcement was made to allocate $111 million to improving the EdTech products available for use in New York schools.  The funds will be used to purchase networking hardware, security products and classroom EdTech.  A total of 111 school districts and 8 special education schools submitted the initial plans which have now been agreed upon by the review board.

The shared goal of the investment is to provide reliable education technology to enable personalised learning and promote student agency.  The aim is also to reduce inequality between schools across the state.  The funds will be broken down as follows:

• $51.5 million for high-tech security projects
• $19.0 million for school connectivity projects
• $24.8 million for classroom technology purchases
• $3.1 million for the expansion of pre-kindergarten classrooms
• $10.9 million for the removal of transportable classroom units (TCUs)
• $1.4 million for non-public schools to enhance classroom technology and school connectivity

The Smart Schools Bond Act was established in 2014.  Governor Cuomo then established the Smart Schools Commission to determine how best to allocate the funds.

“ The Smart Schools Bond Act is enhancing school safety and modernizing outdated classrooms in every corner of this great state…This funding expands opportunities for students and educators, and provides New York’s future leaders with a safe school environment and the latest technology to learn the skills necessary to succeed in the modern economy. ” Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State

Other members of the review board include the New York State Director of the Budget, the Chancellor of the State University of New York and the Commissioner of the State Education Department. 

Follow this link to view the full list of schools and the amounts they have been awarded

Read more about EdTech here: https://global-edtech.com/edtech-definitions-products-and-trends/