West Seneca approves $4.2M Smart Schools investment for security upgrades

The recent public hearing held on April 8, 2025, focused on the Smart Schools investment plan, marking the second application for funding under this initiative. The meeting served as a formal review of the progress made since the initial presentation to the board over a month ago.

The Smart Schools Bond Act, approved in February 2014, allocated significant funding for educational technology improvements, with West Seneca receiving approximately $4.2 million. The district has already utilized nearly $3.6 million from the first round of funding, primarily for network and communication upgrades, including the replacement of outdated copper wiring with fiber optic cables.

During the meeting, officials reported on the ongoing expansion of security systems across the district, funded through various sources, including capital projects and a grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Recent upgrades included enhanced camera systems at West and East Senior High Schools, with reimbursement expected within the next month as the project nears completion.

The board also approved a $1.2 million capital project for security upgrades in elementary schools, which will include secure entryways and advanced door controls. The remaining funds from the Smart Schools investment plan total $602,651, which will be allocated for architectural and engineering designs necessary for state approval.

The district is collaborating with Young and Wright for these designs and plans to work closely with school administrators and resource officers to finalize deployment strategies for the new security measures. Approval from the State Education Department is anticipated in early 2026, with installation expected to be completed by summer 2026.

This meeting highlighted the district's commitment to enhancing safety and technology in schools, ensuring that students and staff benefit from modernized facilities and improved security measures.