Matthew Hamilton is reporting at Capitol Confidential Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Smart Schools Commission Mon., Oct. 27, released its report on how the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act should be spent. That bond is one of three proposals on the ballot Nov. 4. The act would permit the state to borrow for schools, primarily spending the money on short-term needs like electronic equipment, such as whiteboards, computer servers and laptop and tablet computers. Opponents of the proposal suggest the money might be better spent on something other than technology, which could soon be obsolete after it is purchased. Among the panel's key findings: Recommendations to embrace and expand online learning, utilize tablets, laptops and interactive whiteboards in the classroom, to connect every school to high-speed broadband and to provide high-quality, continuous professional development to teachers, administrators and staff. The Governor's Office has provided an online calculator of how much each individual school district would be eligible to receive under the act. The awards to districts in Greene and Columbia counties vary, from a high award of $1.7 million to the Hudson City School District, to a low of $148,000 for Windham-Ashland-Jewett. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.