Association Recognizes Partner at State Education Department

ALBANY, NY (12/28/2009)(readMedia)-- Each year the President of the New York State Association for Superintendents of School Buildings and Grounds, Inc. (NYS SBGA) recognizes a member for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the Association, the profession, and New York State's schools. This year, outgoing President Joseph Hammond, CDF (Liverpool CSD) presented Carl Thurnau, PE, Director of the New York State Education Department's Office of Facilities Planning with this award.

2009 was an interesting and challenging year for everyone in the education field, but particularly facilities departments. Construction projects remain at an all-time high; schools continue to face new regulations of which facility directors must stay up-to-date; there is an increased emphasis on energy efficiency, all to keep our school children safe and healthy.

"One person stood out as this year's President's Award Recipient, as he is the epitome of public service," commented Hammond. "It's not simply his job to ensure clean, safe learning environments for the state's students, teachers and communities at large, but something he is passionately committed to providing."

Carl Thurnau is a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 20 years' of construction management experience. He joined the educational facilities arena in 1996 and has been a champion for providing clean, safe, healthy, energy efficient schools for New York's students.

In addition to assisting the more than 700 public school districts and 38 BOCES throughout New York State in ensuring their buildings are "up to code," Thurnau works with SBGA leaders in communicating and explaining updates and changes to the educational codes and laws, and seeks input to ensure the best results for the profession at-large.

Thurnau was also instrumental in the creation, implementation and success of the School Facilities Management Institute (SFMI), a non-profit organization created for the purpose of providing education and training programs on timely school facilities management issues. Recognizing the importance of communication and education, he and his staff continue to provide a number of SFMI's training programs to school facilities professionals.

"Carl understands the need for continued professional development, and that SFMI's training programs are a vital channel of communication," said SFMI Co-Chair Fred Koelbel (Port Jefferson UFSD).

"Carl truly cares about our students, our schools, and all of the members of this organization," stated Joseph P. Van De Loo, SBGA Executive Director. "I couldn't think of a more fitting recipient of this prestigious award."

SBGA was founded in 1954 and is the only organization in New York State dedicated to serving educational facility managers-professionals responsible for the planning, construction, operation, maintenance and ongoing management of millions of square feet of the state's school facilities. The President's Award is presented to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the Association.

Posted Monday December 28, 2009 at 08:01 pm by NYS Association for Superintendents of School Buildings & Grounds