$3.5M for NECSD Updates to Technology and Security

NEWBURGH – Late last week, the latest installment of Smart Bond funding was approved from New York State. The Newburgh Enlarged City School District received $3.5 million to implement a proposal submitted in 2018 to update technology and enhance safety and security features throughout the district.

Any funding received through this bond is bound by specific criteria set forth by the state and cannot be used to hire personnel.

The 2018 submission from NECSD proposed to update technologies as they relate to safety and security in our 16 buildings. The plans included: an enhanced visitor management system, upgraded and additional camera infrastructure, access control for all buildings, and enhancing the framework for future district initiatives.

In 2017, this same bond from the state allowed our district to fit every classroom with Promethean boards, enabling our scholars to have a world class opportunity for learning.

Additionally in 2017, we were able to update every phone throughout the district, which will set the foundation for further updates for safety and security. The updates to our phone system were necessary in order for our phones to provide further safety measures in this phase of the bond that will include: an alert anytime 911 is dialed, the ability to send out mass notification and get real time feedback on safe zones, and the use of enabling the use of a panic button on phones as selected.

“We are excited that our proposal was accepted. The plan includes an enhanced visitor management system, upgraded and additional camera infrastructure, access control for all 16 buildings, and enhancing the framework for future district initiatives. These safety measures are in addition to the actions we have already taken over the last five years. We are committed to the safety of our scholars and staff.” Roberto Padilla, Superintendent for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.