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BCSD Smart Schools Investment Plan Phase I

Filed in District, District News by on May 24, 2018

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 Bethlehem Central School District was allocated to receive $2,039,178.

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:

  1. Install high-speed broadband or wireless internet connectivity for schools and communities;
  2. Acquire learning technology equipment or facilities, including but not limited to interactive whiteboards, computer servers, and desktop, laptop, and tablet computers;
  3. Construct, enhance, and modernize educational facilities to accommodate pre-kindergarten programs and to provide instructional space to replace classroom trailers; and/or
  4. 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.

SSBA Phase I Investment Plan Goals

After examining the District’s technology needs and reviewing our Smart Schools Bond Allocation, through collaboration with the Bethlehem community, it was determined that it would be best to break up our funds into different projects. In Phase I, we will use the initial portion of the available funds to replace classroom interactive boards in the Middle School and High School, as they are becoming obsolete and are increasingly difficult to repair. This funding will help us to accelerate the replacement of these aging classroom interactive boards, which have served as important instructional tools.  

The Bethlehem Board of Education approved the Phase I Smart Schools Bond Spending Plan at the May 16, 2018 Board meeting after a public forum.

Phase II will include replacing aging boards and projectors in the Elementary Schools and possibly funding additional security initiatives.  Phase II planning will begin in September 2018.

View or download the Bethlehem Smart Schools Investment Plan Phase I.

Public Comments

Community members can send their comments on the SMART Schools Investment Plan to

Ray Nardelli, Director of Information Technology, 700 Delaware Avenue, Delmar NY 12054, or by emailing them to rnardelli@bethlehemschools.org.

References

To learn more about the Smart Bond Act Guidelines go to: