Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced today that the East Hampton and Hampton Bays Union Free School districts will be recipients of Smart School funding. East Hampton is slated to receive $32,147 and Hampton Bays is set to receive $99,637 from New York State to improve school connectivity and classroom technology.

There were a total of 88 Smart Schools Investment Plans approved, totaling $75.6 million, as part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act which was approved by voters in 2014. This program helps modernize classrooms by investing in technology such as computer servers, interactive whiteboards, tablets, desktop and laptop computers, and high-speed broadband and wireless connectivity. Access to this technology allows students to learn at their own pace, expands access to advanced courses and interactive curriculum, and enhances communication between parents and teachers. Smart Schools funds will also facilitate necessary investments in pre-kindergarten classrooms, removal of classroom trailers and high-tech school security.