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
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Letter to the Superintendent of Schools
List of school district allocations
Statement of Assurances for the Smart Schools Bond Act
Smart Schools Investment Plan Process
Entitling Users to the SSIP on the Business Portal
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SEDDAS Guidance: https://p12.nysed.gov/seddas/seddas-complete-user-guide.pdf
A printable version of the SSIP application is now available.
SSBA List of SUNY Educator Preparation Program Contacts
SSBA List of CUNY Educator Preparation Program Contacts
A presentation on accessing the SSIP through the Business Portal
Steps to complete the SSIP through the Business Portal
Connectivity Speed Waiver Form on the Business Portal
District SSIP Completion Flow Chart
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
Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) FAQ
Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014 Statute
Common Issues in the Review of Smart Schools Investment Plans
Directions on filing an amendment to an approved SSIP
SUNY/CUNY Requirement Information
Suggested SUNY/CUNY Letter Template for required collaboration
Reimbursement System Guidance and FAQs
SSBA Hardware, Software, License and Fees Policy.
Smart Schools Bond Act and E-Rate Leveraging Possibilities
Links to Federal and State contracts for Classroom Educational Technology devices.
Inclusion of Nonpublic Schools
2014-15 Nonpublic District of Attendance Enrollment Record
Special Education Information
SSBA Special Education School Allocations
A printable version of the Special Education SSIP application is now available.
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
10/27/15 Presentation to BOCES Partners on the Smart Schools Bond Act
6/13/16 Education Summit & Expo
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.