NY Gives Tech Grants To Pearl River, South Orangetown

ORANGETOWN, NY — The Pearl River and South Orangetown school districts have been awarded grants under New York's Smart Schools Investment Plan.

The 61 plans chosen Tuesday, totaling $31.4 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, a sweeping technology program focused on education and school security.

The Smart Schools Review Board met Tuesday for the 19th time to consider investment plans submitted by school districts and special education schools. The Board is composed of the Director of the Budget, the Chancellor of the State University of New York, and the Commissioner of the State Education Department.

The plans approved by the Board were submitted by 57 school districts and one special education school. Projects include $16.6 million for high-tech security, $7.2 million for classroom technology, $7.1 million for school connectivity, and $500,000 for nonpublic schools' classroom technology and school connectivity.

• South Orangetown was awarded $1,029,143 to improve school connectivity.
• Pearl River was awarded $55,171 for high-tech security.

High-tech security tools supported by the Smart Schools Bond Act include entry control systems, video systems, and emergency classroom notification systems.

"Inefficient technology was a huge hurdle during the COVID-19 pandemic — perhaps nowhere more evident than in our schools — and our students' educational and social experiences suffered," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the announcement. "This $31.4 million investment will allow students to access the technology to bring them the opportunity to learn at their own pace while providing interactive experiences both inside and outside of the classroom."