Technology is an integral part of the teaching and learning experience in the Bayport-Blue Point School District. The ever-increasing availability of online teaching and learning resources comes with inherent risks and concerns regarding student data, privacy and student work. We as a district have a responsibility to ensure that student's data and privacy is adequately protected while using any online digital resource for school work. The Bayport-Blue Point School District is providing the following information/resources for parents, teachers, and the community so that they can better understand what student data is, how student data is collected and used and the laws and practices that the district adheres to in order to protect student data and privacy.
Applicable Federal and State Laws that Impact Technology Use and Student Privacy
Smart Schools Investment Supplemental Plan
Executive Summary
The SMART SCHOOLS BOND ACT OF 2014 was passed in the 2014-15 Enacted Budget and approved by the voters in a statewide referendum held during the 2014 General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. This bond act authorized the issuance of $2 billion of general obligation bonds to finance improved educational technology and infrastructure to improve learning and opportunity for students throughout the State. The SSBA requires that a Review Board review and approve districts’ Smart Schools Investment Plans before any funds may be made available for the program. The entire text of the Smart Schools Bond Act can be found here: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/mgtserv/smart_schools/home.html
Bayport-Blue Point’s portion of this funding is $1,518,389. The districts application for the funding in the amount of $1,124,983 was approved on November 27, 2017 by the Smart Schools Bond Act Review Board. The district is filing a budgetary Supplemental Plan for the balance of the original funding which amounts to $393,406 and an Amendment for the remaining unclaimed approved funds in the amount of $134,668. The district will use these funds to continue the upgrade of the district-wide security camera project.
Recommendation: The remainder of the funds are to be utilized to upgrade and enhance our high tech security features.
Justification
Security Network: Bayport-Blue Point Schools is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all of our students. The district intends to utilize the remainder of the Smart Bond funds to enhance and upgrade our current security system. Our first round of application of funds were used to update current camera/security system in order to provide for optimum viewing for the safety of our students. The district currently has approximately 169 cameras that are comprised of both analog and digital formats. The security enhancements to the district will include additional camera security coverage for athletic outdoor fields, district-wide indoor coverage as well as replacement of end of life/analog cameras. The goal is to expand this system to provide additional security to protect our students and staff. The proposed upgrades are listed below.
Project Elements: HD Video Surveillance cameras (269), Video Management System and Storage, Milestone XProtect Professional Software Licenses, Cat 6 cabling, installation, project management and engineering services.
Schedule: Actual dates are to be determined as this project requires pre-approval by the New York State Education Department prior to the start of work.
Cost: The expected total cost of the project is $528,074 all of which will be funded by Smart Schools.
Rev : 06.06.2023
TITLE 45 DIRECTORY INFORMATION PUBLIC NOTICE
Unless objection to any of the specific items of information following is submitted in writing by parents or legal guardians, or by those students themselves who are 18 years of age and older, the Bayport-Blue Point School District herewith gives notice of intention to provide, release or publish in the Bayport-Blue Point newsletter, school or student newspapers, magazines, yearbooks or other publications, daily or weekly newspapers, athletic programs, musical or theatrical programs, news releases and video any and/or all of the following information pertaining to students as may be appropriate under the circumstances: name of student, names of parents, address, age, height, weight, grade, major field of study, participation in recognized school activities, extracurricular activities and sports programs, academic honors, achievements, awards, scholarships and similar information. Under Title 45, U.S. Code, Part 99, Privacy Rights of Parents and Students, parents who do not desire the release of any of the above directory information must make a specific request in writing to the Superintendent of Schools by September 29, 2023. Failure to make such a request shall be deemed as consent to release, provide or publish the directory information during the school year.
FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
Unless objection to any of the specific items of information following is submitted in writing by parents or legal guardians, or by those students themselves who are 18 years of age and older, the Bayport-Blue Point School District herewith gives notice of intention to provide, release or publish in the Bayport-Blue Point newsletter, school or student newspapers, magazines, yearbooks or other publications, daily or weekly newspapers, athletic programs, musical or theatrical programs, news releases and video any and/or all of the following information pertaining to students as may be appropriate under the circumstances: name of student, names of parents/guardians, address, age, grade, participation in recognized school activities, extracurricular activities and sports programs, academic honors, achievements, awards, scholarships and similar information. Under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act, parents/guardians who do not desire the release of any of the above directory information must make a specific request in writing to the Superintendent of Schools by September 29, 2023. Failure to make such a request shall be deemed as consent to release, provide or publish the directory information during the school year.