Wantagh schools getting ‘Smart’

The Wantagh School District will use its nearly $1.6 million Smart Schools allocation to enhance security and wireless infrastructure throughout its schools, according to a plan unveiled at a special hearing on June 11.

Last November, voters approved the Smart Schools Act, which authorized funds for school districts for state-approved plans geared toward technological improvements and other enhancements. The Wantagh School District was awarded $1,587,330 from the state and now awaits approval on its plan.

Adriana Silver, assistant superintendent for business, estimated that the school district is five years behind where it should be in regard to technology. “This is a gift,” she said while unveiling the district’s plan. “We have been thinking of improving security and technology, but never had enough funds to do so.”

While explaining the plan, Penny Curry, the director of Information Systems and Instructional Technology, and Silver said they would be allocating all the money for security and wireless upgrades.

Silver emphasized that she and her colleagues are unsure when they will be able to move forward and start administering the plan. This is because the district must first receive approval from the state. Beginning on June 15, the districts were able to submit their plans for approval.

After that submission date, however, the timeline is unclear. “The state is going to be very backlogged with these proposals. The process could take up to 11 months,” Silver said. “We are hoping to get our plan up right away to get approved and move forward.”

Curry and Silver outlined specifics of the plan to help advance the wireless infrastructure in the district’s schools. Nearly two-thirds of the money — about $948,000 — will be allocated to wireless enhancements.

Curry said that right now if 30 students logged onto the wireless Internet from one classroom, the network would likely crash. She said this significantly handicaps what the teachers and students are able to do with technology.

The district plans to use this money to upgrade the network access points so that in the future each student can use their own electronic device. Curry said she hopes this will create a more interactive learning environment for the students and improve the classroom setting.

Silver said she also hopes to use the Smart Schools funds to revamp the security system. The proposed plan includes significant security camera upgrades along with upgraded recording systems. The plan also focuses on securing the buildings by installing access control panels and keycards.

Nearly 15 parents and community members were on hand to listen to the details of the district’s proposed plan. While many parents said that they were generally pleased with the district’s plans to advance its technology, some expressed concern with cost, lifespan and maintenance of the proposed infrastructure.

Curry estimated that the wireless infrastructure should last five to 10 years, and reiterated that the district has sought out the best rates available.

Peter Kalogeropoulos, a parent of three children in Wantagh, expressed concern with specific companies the district plans to use in its proposed plan. However, he also said that he did vote for the Smart Schools Act in November and added, “I am always in favor of schools upgrading their technology.”

A few Wantagh High School students were on hand to listen to the proposed plan. Zach Diaks, a graduating senior, said that although he would not be in the school next year he’d like to see other initiatives, such as the formation of a computer club. “Obviously, they would need to find someone qualified to run the club,” he said, “but I think the students would like to see something like that.”

More details about the proposed plan and the financial breakdown are available on the district’s website, www.wantaghschools.org.