SmartBonds

Smart Schools Investment Plan

In 2014, the voters of New York State approved a Bond Act to provide funding for schools in six major categories, including school connectivity, community connectivity, classroom learning technology, pre-kindergarten classroom construction and renovation, replacement of portable classrooms, and high-tech security. Two of the categories do not apply to Unatego, as we do not have pre-kindergarten and have no portable classrooms. This leaves us with school and community connectivity, classroom learning technology, and high tech security.

At the current time and for the foreseeable future, both our school buildings have excellent connectivity at sufficient speeds for wired and wireless internet technology. We have a long-range technology plan which allows us to purchase replacement hardware on a fixed schedule, thereby maximizing state aid and ensuring that our students always have devices that are under warranty and state-of-the art at all times. We have explored the possibility of providing connectivity in our communities but are unsure of the long-range reliability of funding for such an endeavor so our current focus is on high-tech security. Our security cameras, clocks, bell systems and PA systems are all analog and in some cases, fifty or more years old. The wiring is failing, the hardware is obsolete, and in many cases, beyond repair. 

Phase 1: Communication Upgrade

Commination Upgrades at both buildings:

Phase 2: Building Security

Security Upgrades:

This plan has preliminary approval from our Technology Committee and our Board of Education. It will be available on the website for the next 30 days, culminating in a public hearing before the December 18 Board of Education Meeting and final approval from our Board of Education. Questions can be directed to Dr. David Richards via email at [email protected] or by phone at (607) 988-5038 or to Mr. Brian Trask via email at [email protected] or by phone at (607) 988-5047.