Technology » Smart School Bond Investment Plan

Smart School Bond Investment Plan

The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) is a New York State initiative, approved by voters in a statewide referendum in November 2014, that authorized the issuance of $2 billion in general obligation bonds.

The primary purpose of the SSBA is to finance improved educational technology and infrastructure to enhance learning opportunities and security for students in public and nonpublic schools across the state.
 
School districts can use their allocated funds for capital projects in four main areas:

  1. School Connectivity: Installing high-speed broadband or wireless internet connectivity in schools and for the surrounding communities.

  2. Learning Technology Equipment: Acquiring devices and facilities for learning, which can include:

    • Interactive whiteboards/flat panel displays

    • Computer servers

    • Desktop, laptop, and tablet computers

  3. High-Tech Security Features: Installing advanced security systems in school buildings and on campuses, such as:

    • Video surveillance systems

    • Emergency notification systems

    • Physical access controls (e.g., card readers)

  4. Pre-Kindergarten and Permanent Classroom Construction: Constructing, enhancing, and modernizing educational facilities to:

    • Accommodate Pre-K programs.

    • Provide instructional space to replace temporary classroom trailers.

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Preliminary Smart School Bond Act 
Security Camera System Upgrade (2026)
As part of our continued commitment to school safety, North Warren Central School District is proposing a new investment through the Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) to upgrade and expand our current security camera system.
 
Updates to the existing system would:
  • Replace all existing cameras with high-resolution, cloud-managed Verkada cameras
  • Add new cameras in areas identified as blind spots through recent safety reviews
  • Eliminate local servers, reducing ongoing maintenance and energy costs
  • Improve monitoring and emergency response with AI-powered video analytics

These updates provided better protection for students and staff, more efficient management, and enhanced long-term value for the district.
 
The project cost of $152,000 will be funded entirely through remaining Smart Schools Bond Act funds and will use no tax payer monies.
 
 
Public input is welcome. Questions and feedback may be submitted in advance to [email protected].
 
Scheduled public hearing, to be held May 12, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Library.
 

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North Warren CSD Approves School Connectivity 

 

Chestertown, NY – March 2017 – The North Warren Board of Education has approved the district’s Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) proposal to upgrade school connectivity.

 

SBBA funding would: 

 

  • Replace outdated wireless access points in order to provide a high speed wireless network that will enhance classroom connectivity, insure security and visibility, and position the district for future initiatives including 1:1 computing and bring your own device (BYOD). 

 

  • Replace two Category 5 cables per classroom with Category 6 in order to support the wireless infrastructure and provide for future expansion. 

 

  • Replace end-of-life firewall with one capable of current application and traffic management, content filtering, and intrusion prevention. 

 

Final approved Smart Schools Bond Act by the Board of Education