What is the Smart Schools Bond Act?
The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) was passed as part of the 2014-15 New York State budget and approved by voters in a statewide referendum held on Nov. 4, 2014.
The SSBA authorized the issuance of $2 billion in bonds to finance educational technology and infrastructure to improve learning opportunities for students throughout the state.
Where are we now as of April 2017 with our SMART Schools Bond Act progress?
The district has submitted all necessary plans to the New York State Education Department and is waiting for approval of the SSIP(SMART Schools Investment Plan). Once this plan is approved, the district will begin to spend the budgeted monies to purchase the various items included in our plan as listed on this page. The district voters approved $100,000 for the 2016-2017 school year and the district is budgeting an additional $100,000 for the 2017-2018 school year. Please note that all monies budgeted for the SMART Schools Bond Act are 100% reimbursable once the purchases have been completed.
How much will Waterford-Halfmoon Schools receive under the plan?
The district was allocated $581,040 under the SSBA. The state will reimburse the district for 100 percent of its expenses as identified in the Waterford-Halfmoon Smart Schools Investment Plan. This plan earmarks a portion allocation for infrastructure that will support technology-enhanced instruction and security upgrades in alignment with our District Technology Plan and long range Facilities Plan. Waterford-Halfmoon plans to implement its plan by May of 2018. Components of the plan will be completed earlier than 2018. Servers may be installed by September of 2016. Telephone/DAC and Grounding by September of 2017. Smart Schools bond funds remain available until a district has used its entire allocation.
Is there any local cost associated with the technology purchases?
There is no local cost associated with the initial purchase.
When will the Board discuss the plan and its' impact?
On the June 2, 2016, the Board of Education will hear an overview of the proposed plan and on June 2, 2016 the Board will be asked to approve the plan during the regular Board of Education Meeting.
Is there a public hearing on this plan?
Yes. The Waterford-Halfmoon Board of Education will conduct a public hearing as a part of its June 2, 2016 Board Meeting. The plan requires a vote by the board for approval.
In alignment with our Strategic Planning process and long range Facilities Plan, the following chart outlines the planned expenditure of the Smart Schools Bond Act monies:
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Description of Smart Bond Scope: Phase 1
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Smart Bond Allocation Used
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Server Chassis Upgrade
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$30,000
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Telephone System / Mass Notification System
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$179,830
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Network Rack Grounding
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$10,080
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Door Access Controls
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$44,100
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Total
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$ 264,010
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** 4/30/2018 Update: Due to extra professional service costs, the final number for the Telephone system had to be increased. The additional expenditure totaled $28,000 for consultation services used during the implementation of this phase of the Smart Schools Project. This increase is also reflected in the "Total" line item.**
If you wish to comment on this plan, please contact:
Patrick Pomerville
Superintendent of Schools
518-237-0800 ext. 3309
[email protected]