Ed Management Services

Smart Schools

Smart Schools

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 Act requires that each Smart Schools Investment Plan (SSIP) be thoroughly reviewed and approved by SED (updated 4/2024) prior to a district bidding, contracting or expending any SSBA funds. Not doing so will result in such costs not being eligible for reimbursement with SSBA funds.

UPDATE 4/20/2024: To expedite future approval of Smart Schools Investment Plans, the Executive Budget shifts responsibility for plan approvals from the Smart Schools Review Board to an administrative process overseen by SED.

NOTE:  Each school or district must comply with all of the Assurances listed below. Further, the district or school must maintain for audit purposes a detailed accounting of expenditures, supported by invoices, bills or purchase orders. SED is not currently approving plans that include facial recognition technology or other similar self-learning analytic software. Prior to approval, all districts with any expenditures in High-Tech Security are required to submit an updated Statement of Assurances and confirmation that there is no facial recognition or similar technology included in the plan.

Latest Information

Letter to the Superintendent of Schools

List of school district allocations PDF ICON 

Statement of Assurances for the Smart Schools Bond ActPDF ICON NEW UPDATED 6/14/23

Smart Schools Investment Plan Process

SSIP Application

Entitling Users to the SSIP on the Business Portal

A printable version of the SSIP application is now available.  PDF ICON 

SSBA List of SUNY Educator Preparation Program Contacts PDF ICON Updated 8/10/22

SSBA List of CUNY Educator Preparation Program Contacts PDF ICON Updated 8/10/22

A presentation on accessing the SSIP through the Business Portal  Power Point ICON

Steps to complete the SSIP through the Business Portal  PowerPoint ICON

Connectivity Speed Waiver Form on the Business Portal

District SSIP Completion Flow Chart PDF Icon

Guidance and FAQs

The FAQs are also available when viewing the SSIP in the Business Portal. Please choose the "Help" button on the top of your screen to view.

Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) Guidance PDF ICON

Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) FAQ PDF ICON

Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014 Statute PDF Icon

Common Issues in the Review of Smart Schools Investment Plans PDF Icon

Directions on filing an amendment to an approved SSIP PowerPoint ICON UPDATED

SUNY/CUNY Requirement Information PDF Icon

Suggested SUNY/CUNY Letter Template for required collaboration Document Icon

Reimbursement System GuidancePDF Icon and FAQsPDF Icon

SSBA Accounting Guidance FAQ

SSBA Hardware, Software, License and Fees Policy. PDF Icon

Smart Schools Bond Act and E-Rate Leveraging Possibilities PDF Icon

Links to Federal and State contracts for Classroom Educational Technology devices.

Inclusion of Nonpublic Schools

2014-15 Nonpublic District of Attendance Enrollment Record Excel Icon

Information Regarding Inclusion of Nonpublic Schools

Special Education Information

SSIP Application

SSBA Special Education School Allocations PDF Icon

Implementation Guidance for Smart Schools Bond Act appropriations for NYS-approved in-State Day and Residential Schools serving students with disabilities PDF Icon UPDATED

A printable version of the Special Education SSIP application is now available.  PDF ICON 

Please refer to the Smart Schools Investment Plan Process section above for instructions on accessing the system, if needed. If you have any questions, please send an email to: smartschools@nysed.gov and we will assist you.

Presentations

11/16/17 School Business Management Workshop on the Smart Schools Bond Act - Accounting, Reimbursement and Reporting PowerPoint Icon

10/27/15 Presentation to BOCES Partners on the Smart Schools Bond Act PowerPoint Icon

5/26/16 Presentation to BOCES Partners and School District Representatives on High-Tech Security under SSBA PowerPoint ICON

6/13/16 Education Summit & Expo PowerPoint ICON

Program Offices

Office of Facilities Planning SSBA Information

Office of Educational Design and Technology

If you have questions about the SSBA, please contact us at: Smartschools@nysed.gov

The Smart School Bond Act Team can be reached by phone at (518) 474-3927.

Last Updated: December 6, 2024