Hearing on Smart Schools Bond Act March 23

Residents will learn how the district will use funds provided through the Smart Schools Bond Act at a Community Forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, in the Waterman School auditorium.  In addition, this forum will provide a closer look at the 2016-’17 budget and propositions that will be voted on May 17. This is the second of three community forums offered this year to give residents the opportunity to learn more and to ask questions.
The Smart Schools Bond Act was passed as a part of the 2015-’15 New York State budget and approved by voters in a statewide  referendum in November, 2014. The Skaneateles district was allotted $534,585 for infrastructure that will support technology-enhanced instruction and security upgrades.  Learn more at the forum March 23.
Briefly, there is no tax impact, since this is allocated from the state.  The district will use this to upgrade infrastructure that will support technology-enhanced instruction AND it will upgrade security.
Here are some questions and answers about the Smart Schools Bond Spending Plan:
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 Skaneateles Schools receive under the plan?
The district was allocated $534,585 under the SSBA.
The state will reimburse the district for 100 percent of its expenses as identified in the Skaneateles Smart Schools Investment Plan. This plan earmarks the entire allocation for infrastructure that will support technology-enhanced instruction and security upgrades in alignment with our Strategic Planning process and long range Facilities Plan. Skaneateles plans to implement its plan by May of 2018. 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 March 15 BOE meeting at 7 p.m., the BOE will discuss Program Review II and the impact of this plan on teaching and learning.
 
Is there a public hearing on this plan?
Yes. The Skaneateles Board of Education will conduct a public hearing as a part of its 7 p.m. March 23 Community Forum. The plan requires a vote by the board for approval.
 
Go here to see a chart that outlines the planned expenditure of the Smart Schools Bond Act monies:
http://www.skanschools.org/tfiles/folder278/smart%20schools%20bond%20spending%20plan.pdf
 
 
To comment on this plan, please contact:
Dr. Paul E. Blair
Director of Innovation, Instructional Design, and Technology
315-291-2217
pblair@skanschools.org