Kaplan, Kaminsky, Solages Announce Over $337K in Smart Schools Aid for Elmont Public Schools

(Elmont, New York) — Senator Todd Kaminsky, Senator Anna Kaplan, and Assemblywoman Solages announced that New York State will provide $337,615 in Smart Schools funding to the Elmont Public School District.

“My top priority is always ensuring that our public schools have the resources they need to give our kids the best shot at success when they go out into the world,” said Senator Anna Kaplan, “I’m thrilled to have helped secure over $337,000 for new technology funding so that the Elmont School district can make critical investments in our children’s future without burdening local taxpayers, and I look forward to our continued work together to ensure they have all the tools they need to succeed.” 

“We owe it to our children to invest in their education and ensure they are given the first-rate education they deserve,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky, “I was proud to help secure more than $337K in crucial technological upgrades for our local public schools, and am confident that these funds will go to good use. I will continue to fight for our fair share of state aid to reduce the burden on hardworking Elmont residents.”

“Working with our colleagues in the legislature, Senator Kaplan and Senator Kaminsky and I were able to secure over $337,000 for new and innovative classroom technologies that empower students within the Elmont Union Free School District to reach their full potential,” stated Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, “We know that these are the types of continual investments in education that will yield high returns and enable New York students to compete globally,” 

The Elmont School District is using Smart Schools funding for classroom technology upgrades. The allocation of funds will be dedicated to the purchase of 857 8th generation student iPads for the 2022-2023 school year.  These new 8th generation iPads will replace older 5th generation devices currently being used in 5th and 6th-grade classrooms across the district. This Phase of the Smart Bond will fully reimburse the district for these devices at no cost to Elmont taxpayers. This program offers an enhanced and differentiated instructional model with customized apps to expand student learning inside and outside of the classroom. 

“These upgraded devices will further enhance the district’s commitment to our students by preparing them for a rapidly changing digital world,” said Ken Rosner, Superintendent of the Elmont School District, “Through collaboration, creativity, and digital citizenship, students will be well prepared as they transition to high school and college. Our mobile device curriculum and 1:1 iPad deployment are designed to assist students in reaching their highest potential.”

Elmont is a community consisting of people from a multitude of backgrounds with members that speak over 70 different languages. The school district’s 1:1 iPad program promotes the international origins of their scholars as they explore digital content from around the world, and their customizable app library helps to make learning English more fun and exciting for its English as a New Language (ENL) students.