State approves $165K for Lyndonville school for classroom technology

LYNDONVILLE – The state has approved $39 million for 30 school districts to upgrade technology, including $165,000 for Lyndonville in classroom technology.

Lyndonville will use the funds for interactive white boards, said Jason Smith, the school district superintendent.

The funds were announced last week by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office. The money is part of $2 billion approved by voters in 2014 as part of a Smart Schools Bond Act. The money will support investments in education technology that will equip students with the skills they need to thrive and succeed in the global economy, Cuomo said.

The investments will help close the “digital divide” and increase access to technology and high-speed broadband in hundreds of schools across New York, the governor said.

“Through the Smart Schools Bond Act, we are ensuring that all New York students have access to high-speed internet and new technology, regardless of their zip code,” Cuomo said. “The tools and resources schools will be able to attain with this funding will help equip the next generation of New Yorkers to lead this state into the future.”

The Smart Schools Review Board met last week for the third time and approved investment plans submitted by school districts. The Board is comprised of the Director of the Budget, the Chancellor of the State University of New York, and the Commissioner of the State Education Department.

With the Smart Schools Act, school districts are investing in technology such as computer servers, interactive whiteboards, tablets, desktop and laptop computers, and high-speed broadband and wireless connectivity.

This technology helps students to learn at their own pace, expands access to advanced courses and interactive curriculum, and enhances communication between parents and teachers, Cuomo said. Smart Schools funds will also facilitate necessary investments in pre-kindergarten classrooms, removal of classroom trailers and high-tech school security.