Smart Schools Bond Investment Plan
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The Smart Schools Bond Act was passed in the 2014-15 Enacted Budget and approved by the voters in a statewide referendum held during the 2014 General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) authorized 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. The SSBA requires that a Review Board review and approve districts’ Smart Schools Investment Plans before any funds may be made available for the program.
Orchard Park Central Schools' Allocation - $2,333,018
Allowable Project Categories:
I. Install high-speed broadband or wireless internet connectivity for schools and communities;
II. Acquire learning technology equipment or facilities, including but not limited to interactive whiteboards, computer servers, and desktop, laptop, and tablet computers;
III. Construct, enhance, and modernize educational facilities to accommodate prekindergarten programs and to provide instructional space to replace classroom trailers; and/or
IV. 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
Phase I
Orchard Park completed a Chromebook purchase for the OP High School that fellinto Category 2 above. The proposal overview was presented to the Board of Education on July 26, 2016. A public hearing was held on August 29, 2016. The final plan was presented to the Board of Education on September 13, 2016. The attached Smart Schools Investment Plan was then forwarded to the NY State Education Department for their authorization.
A copy of the districts Smarts Schools Technology Plan presentation can be found by clicking the link below.
Written comments on the preliminary SSIP should be sent to shornung@opschools.orgPhase II
Orchard Park has proposed a project to address high-tech security features in school buildings that will fall into category IV above. The proposal overview was presented to the Board of Education on January 8, 2019. A public hearing was also held on January 8, 2019. The final plan will be presented to the Board of Education in March 2019. The Smart Schools Investment Plan will then be forwarded to the NY State Education Department for their authorization.
A copy of the district's Smarts Schools Technology Plan presentation can be found by clicking the link below.
Written comments on the Phase II SSIP plan should be sent to shornung@opschools.orgPhase III
Orchard Park has proposed a project to purchase two Storage Area Network arrays to expand network capacity. The proposal overview was presented to the Board of Education on April 9, 2019. A public hearing was advertised and held at the April 9th meeting. After a 30-day comment period, the final plan will be presented to the Board of Education in May 2019. The Smart Schools Investment Plan will then be forwarded to the NY State Education Department for their approval.
Written comments on the Phase III SSIP plan should be sent to shornung@opschools.orgPhase IV
Orchard Park Schools has proposed a project to acquire learning technology equipment or facilities, including but not limited to interactive whiteboards, computer servers, and desktop, laptop, and tablet computers that will fall into category II from above. The proposal overview was presented to the Board of Education in June 2023. A public hearing was also held in June 2023. After a 30-day comment period, the final plan will be presented to the Board of Education in July 2023. The Smart Schools Investment Plan will then be forwarded to the NY State Education Department for their authorization.
A copy of the district's Smarts Schools Technology Plan presentation can be found by clicking the link below.
Written comments on the Phase IV SSIP plan should be sent to sroth@opschools.org