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Repurposing Convention Donations: NYC Schools Receive Security and Technology Boost

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein announced that equipment donated for the Republican National Convention would be redirected to improve security and technology in New York City public schools. The initiative is a result of significant private donations, with over $160 million contributed to the school system in the last two years. The repurposed equipment includes 1,200 cellphones from Nextel Communications, $4 million worth of telephones and network equipment from Cisco Systems, and a million dollars' worth of computers and other equipment from I.B.M. These donations are expected to enhance school safety and provide students with better learning tools.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over $5 million in equipment donated to the New York City Host Committee for the Republican National Convention will be turned over to the city, with a significant portion going to the public schools.
  • 1,200 cellphones from Nextel Communications, worth over $250,000, will be used to improve school safety and can be used as walkie-talkies.
  • Cisco Systems will provide the city with $4 million worth of telephones and network equipment initially donated for the convention.
  • A million dollars' worth of computers and other equipment donated by I.B.M. will also be used to support the school system.
  • 20 electric-powered carts donated by DaimlerChrysler will be repurposed by the city's Parks Department for park maintenance and patrols.
  • Private donations to the school system have exceeded $160 million in the last two years.
  • Mayor Bloomberg emphasized the commitment of private companies to contribute to the betterment of city students' lives.

Statistics:

  • $5 million: The total value of equipment donated to the New York City Host Committee for the convention.
  • $250,000: The estimated value of the 1,200 cellphones from Nextel Communications.
  • 1,200: The number of cellphones provided by Nextel.
  • $4 million: The value of the telephones and network equipment provided by Cisco Systems.
  • $160 million: The total amount of private donations to the school system in the last two years.
  • $1 million: The value of the equipment donated by I.B.M.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "equipment from convention to be used in schools"

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