NYSED Video: Opportunities of the Smart Schools Bond Act

February 1, 2017 Instructional Technology Plans memo: This memo provides information regarding changes to the District Instructional Technology Plan submission, certification, and approval process.

Congratulations to the following Nassau County Schools that received approval on their Smart School Investment Plans for the 2017-2018 School Year.

All plans and related documents are available at Approved SSIP Plans (as of 7/25/17).

*Please note the Review Board has designated some plans as well-written, they are highlighted with an asterisk next to their name.

If you have not submitted an Investment Plan as of yet, you may require a Project Number based on the type of expenditures you are planning with your allocated SSBA funds. To request a Project Number from the Office of Facilities Planning. Click Link to new LOI to request SSBA Project Number.xls and download the LOI. Complete the LOI based on your proposed projects and Fax to OFP (Office of Facilities Planning). You will receive a Project Number, which is necessary to complete the SSIP.

6/5/2018 SSIP Status Update (PDF)

Instructional Technology Plans (ITPs) Survey Guidance

Printable version of SSIP application

7/25/17 SSIP Status Update (spreadsheet)

SSBA Hardware, Software, License and Fees Policy

SS Investment Plan Checklist

New Calculation Tables on the SSIP

Common Issues in the Review of Smart Schools Investment Plans 3/3/16

SSBA Forum Presentation 10/27/15.pdf

Smart Schools Bond Act Office of Facilities Planning Process for Review.pdf

New Facilities Planning Page for SSBA Information

Guidance, Overview and Access Instruction Documents

Updated SSBA Implementation Guidance

The Smart Schools Investment Plan and the data input into the Technology Plan Survey should align with a larger, comprehensive district technology plan.

Smart Schools Investment Plan Process:

• District develops preliminary Smart Schools Investment Plan which is approved by the Board
• The plan is posted on the district website for a minimum of 30 days and notice is provided to the public regarding a hearing.
• Community feedback is provided.
• The district plan is finalized and approved by the Board.
• The final plan is posted on the district website.
• District plan is submitted via the business portal.

Once the district submits the Smart Schools Investment Plan(SSIP) via the Smart Schools Bond Act application on the NYSED Business Portal, the district will be notified that the plan was received. Following submission, the following process can be expected:

1. The NYSED will review plans for completeness and request any further information required.
2. The Smart Schools Review Board will meet quarterly to review all complete plans.
3. Once approved, the district will be authorized to spend the funds defined within the submitted SSIP.
4. District expends funds.
5. District submits for reimbursement (Forms on NYSED Website). Reimbursement can be ongoing. A district does not need to expend the entire allocation prior to submitting reimbursement forms.

Sample SSBA Expenditures

According to the SSBA Guidance, the SSBA funds can be used for:

1. Capital construction and equipment costs related to the installation of high-speed wired or wireless connectivity for schools and communities.Adequate technology infrastructure that meets the FCC 100 Mbps per 1,000 students is a precondition for the purchase of devices (more detail available within the Guidance Document).
2. The purchase of learning technology equipment (devices)
3. Construction of instructional space for Pre-K classrooms or to replace classroom trailers
4. The installation of high-tech security features in school buildings and on school campuses

SSBA funds may not be used for:

1. Professional development
2. Technical support
3. Staffing
4. Software
5. Expenditures which are not consistent with Smart Schools Investment Plans, Instructional Technology Plans or approved capital plans for Smart Schools Bond Act Projects.

NYSED Q & A

Governors Q & A