New York Schools Getting $31.4 Million Tech and Security Upgrades – wnbf.com

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 57 school districts across New York State will receive a portion of $31.4 million in funding to upgrade technology and security.

In a press release on Tuesday, Governor Hochul announced the $31.4 million in funding available for 61 approved investment plans from 57 school districts across New York State. It’s part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act.

In the press release, Governor Hochul stated “Inefficient technology was a huge hurdle during the Covid-19 pandemic – perhaps nowhere more evident than in our schools – and our students’ educational and social experiences suffered. This $31.4 million investment will allow students to access the technology to bring them the opportunity to learn at their own pace while providing interactive experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Included in the approved projects is $16.6 million for high-tech security upgrades, $7.2 million for classroom technology, $7.1 million for school connectivity, and $500,000 for nonpublic schools’ classroom technology and school connectivity.

Some of the classroom technology purchases include things like interactive whiteboards, tablets, high-speed broadband and wireless connectivity. And I can’t help but be jealous of all that technology entering schools while I was stuck writing notes by hand and using those giant black and white projectors that had to be wheeled around the classroom to learn math.

“We are seeing many innovative educational approaches in these plans that use technology to inspire teachers and better engage students to improve their learning experience,” said New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa. “We continue to work closely with the other members of the SSBA Board to ensure that district plans use allocated funds in ways that benefit schools and the communities that surround them.”