Educational Professionals in Albany for 2010 Critical Issues Summit

ALBANY, NY (03/29/2010)(readMedia)-- Each and every day educational professionals strive to provide New York State's school children a strong education. School facilities professionals work to sustain these campuses, ensuring safe, clean, healthy learning environments for students and communities. With today's rocky economic climate, school districts must look to additional resources to continue providing safe, clean, healthy learning environments for our students.

Nearly 250 educational professionals ventured to historic Chancellor's Hall at the NYSED building in Albany on March 25 for the 2010 School Facilities Critical Issues One-Day Training Summit. This program was offered by the School Facilities Management Institute (SFMI) and the New York State Association for Superintendents of School Buildings & Grounds, Inc. (SBGA) in collaboration with the New York State Education Department (SED).

A Warm Welcome

The program opened with remarks from the Deputy Commissioner of Education, John King. "It was an honor to welcome the Deputy Commissioner," commented Chris Ouderkirk, CDF, SBGA President (Sandy Creek CSD). "We appreciate him taking the time to speak with our members and reinforcing the importance of professional development."

Following the Deputy Commissioner, representatives from SED and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) examined best practices; explored new funding opportunities and provided practical techniques for sustaining excellent learning environments for school districts around the state.

"SFMI remains dedicated to providing timely, pertinent education and training opportunities for school facilities professionals across New York," said SFMI Co-Chairman Fred Koelbel (Port Jefferson UFSD). "This year's Critical Issues Summit is an example of bringing all of the key players to one location and discussing best practices for the future of our facilities, but most importantly, our students and communities."

Speakers included:

• Chuck Szuberla, New York State Education Department Office of Facilities, Management and Information Services

• Carl Thurnau, PE, New York State Education Department, Office of Facilities Planning

• Joanna Moore from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, FlexTech Programs

• Marty Doyle, PE from the New York State Education Department, Office of Facilities Planning.

"Who better than the key decision makers from SED and program coordinators from NYSERDA to present the latest information and funding opportunities? This year's speakers set the bar for providing realistic forecasts for the future as well as practical ways to sustain our districts," said Ouderkirk.

A Unique Opportunity

Following lunch representatives from the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the NYSERDA joined forces to discuss the benefits of conducting an Energy Audit prior to engaging in an Energy Performance Contract. Walter Hoefer, Brian Vattimo and Travis Sleight respectively stepped attendees through the process and then provided various funding and incentive programs available across the state.

"It was great to have all three 'energy players' together to provide attendees with useful information and timely funding opportunities," said Koelbel. "Energy is a significant piece of every school district's budget, and to hear directly from the experts was invaluable."

Visit www.sbga.org view photos from the program.

In 2003, the Board of Directors of the New York State Association for Superintendents of School Buildings and Grounds, Inc. (SBGA) established the School Facilities Management Institute, Inc. (SFMI). The institute is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of providing education and training programs on timely school facilities management issues. 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.

Posted Monday March 29, 2010 at 08:01 pm by NYS Association for Superintendents of School Buildings & Grounds