The Scotia-Glenville Central School District’s Smart Schools Investment Plan (SSIP) was created in accordance with the New York State Smart Schools Bond Act, approved by voters in 2014. The bond act was purposed to provide school districts funding for new educational technology and to enhance learning opportunities for students.
The bond act provided multiple pathways for districts to expend grant funds: Install high-speed broadband internet, install high-tech security upgrades, create or expand pre-k, and / or acquire learning technology.
Scotia-Glenville was allocated $1,696,747 in Smart Schools funding. A Smart School committee, comprised of a diverse set of stakeholders, met multiple times to determine how best to spend the funds. The committee focused on acquiring learning technology, and created the following goals:
- Our Smart Schools Investment Plan will align with our district mission statement and technology plan.
- Our SSIP will prioritize technology that is student-facing and future-oriented.
- Our SSIP will provide opportunity for instructional innovation in the classroom.
- Our SSIP will prioritize classroom technology that is both equitable and sustainable.
SmartSchools Timeline:
- December 14 – Smart Schools Committee meeting
- January – Secondary students Tech of the Future survey
- January 18 – Smart Schools Committee meeting
- February – Staff Tech Innovation Grant survey
- March 21 – Smart Schools Committee meeting
- April 24 – Board of Education presentation
- May 28 – Public Hearing and (tentative) BOE approval of SSIP
- June 1 – SSIP submission to NYSED
Preliminary Expenditure Plan:
- Viewsonic 75” Interactive Flat Panel Viewboards: $750,000
- Lenovo IdeaPad Teacher Chromebooks: $250,000
- K-1 Student Chromebook Carts: $100,000
- Next Generation Computer Labs at the MS and HS: $100,000
- Mekeel Christian Academy set aside (required): $100,000
- Lenovo ThinkPad Administrator Laptops: $30,000
- Technology Lab Machinery (3D printers, Laser Engraver, CNC Router, Waterjet Cutter): $36,500
- Digital Cameras for Art: $10,000
- Digital Sewing Machines: $15,000
- iPads: $10,000
- Auditorium Live Streaming Equipment: $20,000
- Lego Robotics Spike Prime Kits: $40,000
- Science Digital Lab Equipment: $25,000
- VR Headsets: $10,000
- Drone Soccer Equipment: $10,000
Total SSIP Application Amount = $1,506,500
The remaining $200,000 from the grant will be applied for at the end of our three year implementation cycle based on committee recommendations.
The SSIP was BOE approved on May 28.
The full April 24 Board of Education presentation can be found here: LINK
Any questions or comments regarding our Smart Schools Investment Plan can be directed to:
Rick Arket, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction rarket@sgcsd.net
518-347-3600