MASSENA — Governor Kathleen C. Hochul announced the Massena Central School District's final allocation for technology initiatives under the Smart Schools Bond Act.
The district will receive the final $990,627 of the $2,415,023 estimated allocation as part of the Smart Schools Bond Act. The measure was passed in the 2014-15 enacted budget and approved by voters in a statewide referendum during the 2014 general election.
The district will use the remaining allocation for classroom technology. The plan was approved by the district's Board of Education in September.
The district's SSBA plan would see all schools purchase 81 smart boards at $3,599 each ($291,519 total). The plan also contemplates purchasing his 2,054 Dell Chromebooks for each school at a cost of $319.77 each (for a total of $656,807.58). The technical committee also recommended that all schools purchase 1,410 Chromebook chargers at $30 each ($42,300 total). Total expenditures were $990,626.58.
In the previous three plans, the district spent $674,252, $450,932 and $299,212 on several technology initiatives. Purchases included security cameras and doors, high school interactive boards, Chromecast boards, iPads and more.
Nicole Charleson, the district's director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, told school board members in September that she spoke with technology director Michael Allen to discuss the district's technology needs.
She said some of the funds will be used to replace 81 smart boards at JW Leary Middle School. A few years ago, she said, her classroom was given her Vizio TV for instruction.
He also said he plans to update the smart boards at middle schools and elementary schools, which have not been updated in the past five to 10 years.
2,054 Chromebooks are 2-in-1 touch screen laptops. Allen said this will allow the district to replace his current Chromebook for his four years.
The 1,410 Chromebook chargers will be supplied to the district as replacements for those that are lost. Allen said for every 10 Chromebooks, about six chargers are returned, leaving space open. Plus, when a student takes his Chromebook and charger home, it creates a gap in the classroom.
Lisbon Central School District also received $682,135 for high-tech security. High-tech security tools supported by the Smart Schools Guarantee Act include access control systems, video systems, and emergency classroom notification systems. These upgrades will make New York schools safer and allow students to learn in a safe environment.
Hochul said a total of 59 smart school investment plans have been approved. Approved plans were submitted by 53 school districts and two special needs schools. The project includes $21 million for high-tech security, $4.4 million for classroom technology, $1 million for kindergarten classrooms, $604,000 for school connectivity, and $37,000 for non-public school classroom technology and school connectivity. It is included.
“Providing students with opportunities to learn using cutting-edge technology is essential to preparing them for the workforce of the future,” she said in a statement. “These investments will not only provide a safer learning environment, but will also give our students a greater understanding of the utilities available to them in the world after graduation.”
