Smart Schools Investment Plans, part of the Smart Schools Bond Act first passed in 2014, totaling $13.2 million were approved by New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently. $7.9 million will be allocated for high-tech security, which includes entry control systems, lockdown and panic buttons, visitor sign-in & badging systems, and emergency classroom notification systems, $4.7 million for classroom technology, $356,000 for school connectivity, and $275,000 for nonpublic schools’ classroom technology and school connectivity. 

The Smart Schools Bond Act was passed in 2014 and 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 New York.

The Act requires that each district submit a Smart Schools Investment Plan (SSIP) to be reviewed and approved by the Smart Schools Review Board prior to any awarding or use of funds. Districts can apply for funds for a variety of educational solutions and services, a list of which can be found here.

Learn more about Smart Schools Investment Plans and the Smart Schools Bond Act here.

In late 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced nearly $1 billion in awards through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). In New York, the Stronger Connections grants aim to provide students with safe and supportive learning opportunities and environments critical for academic success. The BSCA specifies that SEAs must award these funds competitively to high-need LEAs, as determined by the state. In FY23, New York was awarded $69,314,328 through this program.

This grant focuses on helping schools foster sustained learning, engagement, and attachment for students in New York schools. The Stronger Connections Grant Program mandates that schools should accomplish this by becoming more resilient, supporting mental health, and improving school climate.

According to the Department of Education, schools should spend Stronger Connections Grant Program funds to: 

• Implement evidence-based strategies that meet students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being needs. 
• Create positive, inclusive, and supportive school environments.
• Increase access to place-based interventions and services.
• Engage students, families, educators, staff, and community organizations in selecting and implementing strategies to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. 
• Design and implement policies and practices responsive to underserved students, protecting student rights, and demonstrating respect for student dignity and potential. 

Spending that qualifies for funding could include hiring counselors and nurses, providing teacher training on inclusion and behavioral interventions, expanding mental and behavioral services, and other related efforts to create a positive and supportive climate in New York schools.

As part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds were made available to address the pandemic’s impact on student safety and mental well-being. As of July 2023, New York has spent 46.1% of the funds awarded to the state.

An additional round of funding was made available as part of the American Rescue Plan. New York’s portion of ESSER funds is $8,995,282,324 and the obligation deadline is Sept. 30, 2024. 

The U.S. Department of Justice oversees the COPS School Violence Prevention Program. This program earmarks funding for evidence-based school safety programs and technology. COPS funds can be used by schools to purchase school safety technology that helps identify potential dangers. The money can also be used to improve emergency notification and response systems. To learn more, visit the COPS website.

The U.S. Department of Justice has also made funds available through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. BJA’s STOP School Violence Program funds the purchase software that helps K-12 schools maintain a safe environment. This program is geared toward recognizing, responding to, and preventing violence on campus. Learn more here.