Smart Schools Bond Act
Overview
What is the Smart Schools Bond Act?
The Smart Schools Bond Act authorizes the issuance of $2 billion of general obligation bonds to finance improved educational technology and infrastructure to improve learning and opportunity for students throughout the State.
What types of projects would be eligible for funding?
Bond proceeds may be used for capital projects to:
- Acquire learning technology equipment or facilities, including but not limited to interactive whiteboards, computer servers, and desktop, laptop, and tablet computers;
- Install high-speed broadband or wireless internet connectivity for schools and communities;
- Construct, enhance, and modernize educational facilities to accommodate pre-kindergarten programs and to provide instructional space to replace classroom trailers; and
- Install high-tech security features in school buildings and on school campuses, including but not limited to video surveillance, emergency notification systems, and physical access controls.
Funding under the Smart Schools Bond Act will be distributed through a reimbursement model where the district pays for the technology and is then reimbursed by the state.
How will a school district apply for and receive the Smart Schools funding?
Smart Schools Bond Act implementation guidelines confirm that 100.12 Instructional computer technology plans will be a prerequisite for a Smart Schools application. The submission deadline for these certified plans will be announced soon.
Each district must submit a Smart Schools Investment Plan to the Smart Schools Review Board for approval. School districts are required to consult with parents, teachers, students, community members, and other stakeholders when developing this plan.
Once the Smart Schools Investment Plan is approved, the school district will be eligible to begin receiving grant funds, up to the amount of its Smart Schools allocation amount, to reimburse costs of the approved projects. The State Education Department will administer the grant funds.
