New York taxpayers will be on the hook to repay $2 billion the state wants to borrow to pay for education technology and high-tech school security, if the referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot wins approval.

Known as the New York Bonds for School Technology Act, the ballot question would also provide funding to add classroom space for pre-kindergarten classes and replace temporary classroom trailers with permanent instructional space.

The proposal was launched in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2014 State of the State address and approved for the ballot by the state Legislature in March.

The $2 billion borrowing package would provide $89 million for schools in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. Allocations for the School Technology Act will be based on the current state-aid formula, which considers the socio-economic status of the families of students, and the property wealth within the community.

Where’s the money going locally

In Westchester, four urban districts will receive 63 percent of Westchester’s $62 million in bond funds: Yonkers, $24 million; Mount Vernon, $8 million; New Rochelle, $4 million; and Peekskill, $3 million.

In Putnam, Mahopac and Carmel will receive 66 percent of the county’s $8.5 million allocation, with Mahopac receiving $3.2 million and Carmel to get $2.4 million.

Rockland’s top recipients are East Ramapo and Haverstraw-Stony Point, which will receive 59 percent of the county’s allocation, with East Ramapo receiving $6.1 million and $5.3 million to Haverstraw.

While districts will be given an allocation, their plans to spend the money must be ratified by a three-person panel that comprises State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, New York state Schools Commissioner John King, and state Division of the Budget Director Robert Megna.

Why proponents support the bond act

Supporters say New York schools are strapped for funding to bolster their technology networks and purchase the computer hardware necessary for 21st century education. The rise of the state’s Common Core standards have put pressure to district to expand its technology systems because the statewide tests, in grades 3 to 8, are to be all taken on computers.

The state’s tax cap has put tight restraints on school spending, so officials say it’s a way to bring needed funds to schools.

“Any time we can get additional funds into education, that’s something we should do,” said state Sen. David Carlucci, D-New City. “It’s another option for additional funding, and it doesn’t come off the back of property taxpayers.”

Why opponents will vote against it

Opponents of the bond act say it will encourage wasteful spending, especially in districts where technology needs are not high priorities.

“By definition, it’s use it or lose it,” said E.J. McMahon, president of the Empire Center for New York State Policy. “It’s the worst possible way to spend money. And it some districts, it will be free money for low-priority items.”

McMahon said it will also claim a portion of New York state’s borrowing capacity, which he said could be better used for more pressing issues. Debt service on the bonds is estimated at about $100 million a year.

“It’s a terrible approach to policy and education finance,” he said. “It will put New York $2 billion in debt, and it won’t be $2 billion in debt for our roads and bridges.”

© 2014 Gannett News Service