Smart Schools Bond Act

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.

How much will Jordan-Elbridge receive under the plan?
The district was allocated $1,387,107 under the SSBA.

What are the requirements for schools?
The Smart Schools Bond Act requires schools to make strategic decisions regarding upgrades. To be eligible for funding, each school district is required to:

• Draft a Smart Schools Improvement Plan (SSIP) linked to a long-range educational technology plan;
• Involve the community in its planning; and
• Have the Smart Schools plan approved by the New York State Education Department as part of a detailed review process.

What are some examples of eligible Smart Schools projects?
Smart Schools projects generally fall into one of four categories:

• Projects to increase connectivity, such as construction and wiring costs for expanding wired/wireless access in and around school buildings;
• Projects to provide learning technology equipment, such as interactive whiteboards, computer servers, tablets, and desktop/laptop computers;
• Projects to facilitate pre-K upgrades and/ or replace temporary classrooms, such as building new pre-K classrooms, modernizing existing facilities used for pre-K, and building new space to replace temporary classrooms; and
• Projects to install high-tech security, such as cameras, main entrance intercoms and locking systems, and the installation of other security features.

To see the JECSD's Smart Schools Investment Plans, please click the links below:

2016-18 Smart Schools Investment Plan

2019-20 Smart Schools Investment Plan