The State Education Department announced that $87 million will be awarded to many low-income schools across the State. The funding is part of a settlement reached between the State Education Department and the Microsoft Corporation back in 2006. State Education Department Spokesman Tom Dunn said the money will be used for technology.
“This money is arriving at a good time. New York’s exams are going to be moving to a computer platform. Schools need to put in place the technology that will allow children to do their tests on computers and this $87 million is going to go a long way,” said Dunn.
Schools will be eligible for the funds if 50% of their students are receiving free or reduced lunch.
“The education system in our State, in fact across the country is challenged financially. It’s certainly good news for a change to say that there’s more money coming and this settlement is going to bring money to the schools where it’s needed most,” said Dunn.
WBFO news reached out to the Buffalo Public School District. They said it was too early to comment on the award, because it's unknown how the money will be distributed. In Buffalo almost all of the public and charter schools will be receiving money.