Smart Schools Investment Plan - Guilderland Central Schools

About the Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA)

In January 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo called for New York State to invest $2 billion in its schools through a Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA). Voters approved the Smart School Bond Act in November 2014 and as a result, the Guilderland Central School District was allocated to receive $2,096,732.

The purpose of the Smart Schools Bond Act is to improve learning and opportunity for public and nonpublic school students by funding capital projects to:

Install high-speed broadband or wireless internet connectivity for schools and communities;
Acquire learning technology equipment or facilities, including but not limited to interactive whiteboards, computer servers, and desktop, laptop, and tablet computers;
Construct, enhance, and modernize educational facilities to accommodate pre-kindergarten programs and to provide instructional space to replace classroom trailers; and/or
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.

UPDATE

On Monday, June 4, Governor Cuomo’s office announced that another $34 million of the SSBA was approved for schools.

Thus far, the Guilderland Central School District, through SSBA funds, has made significant improvements to security cameras and wireless access at Guilderland High School. This most recently approved project provides $531,447 to the district for three critical improvements for student access and integration of technology:

1. Engaged Learning Initiative

The majority of the funding, $498,723, will go towards buying and updating equipment to implement a a one-to-one model (1:1), in which school-owed devices are loaned to all students in grades 5-12. Starting in grade 6, through grade 12, students will receive a Chromebook for use in all classes as well as at home. This initiative will ensure equitable access to technology for all students, both in-school and out.

2. Farnsworth Middle School Digital Broadcast and Media Program

At the start of every school day, FMS students broadcast their own morning news to their school community. Using $32,724 of the allocated funds, the broadcast studio equipment, which is in dire need of updating, will be upgraded to current industry standards.

3. Connectivity upgrades

Connectivity upgrades include updating district-wide servers and switches, to support the above (1 and 2) improvements.

The District’s Technology Department will be scheduling multiple opportunities for staff professional development, as well as learning opportunities for both parents and students. More information will be posted to the district website when it becomes available.