Schedule, Session Descriptions & Presenter Information

9:00am – 9:30am

Registration

9:30am – 10:00am

Welcome & Introductions

10:00am - 11:00am

Session One

Communication Strategies for CFOs and Facilities Directors

Joe Rayburn, Director of Partner Development, Building Solutions, Matt Riddle, Director of Facilities and Capital Planning, Marlborough School, David Marcus, Director of Facilities, de Toledo High School, and Julia Yzaguirre, Former CFO, Turning Point Academy

In this panel driven session, we will explore strategies to enhance communication between Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Facilities Directors. Effective collaboration between these key roles is vital for successful financial planning and facilities management within any school. We will discuss practical techniques for clear and efficient communication, understanding each other's perspectives and priorities, and aligning financial goals with facility needs. Join us to learn how to foster a productive partnership between CFOs and Facilities Directors, ultimately leading to better decision-making and resource allocation. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to engage collaborative planning to ensure realistic and achievable financial goals
• Identify insights with the use of data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of facilities operations
• Recognize each other’s expertise and contributions to the school resulting in an impactful crescendo in the voice of facilities

11:00am - 11:30am

Networking Break

11:30am - 12:30pm

Session Two

Effective Construction Contracting: Strategies for Success and Sustainability

Heather DeBlanc, Partner, LCW and Christopher Fallon, Partner, LCW

This session will help attendees understand the essential elements of a successful construction project, including contracting with architects and contractors, managing project timelines, and maintaining budget control. Key supporting topics will cover contract negotiation strategies, cost control methods, legal and regulatory compliance, and risk management. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique challenges faced by private schools, such as balancing educational priorities with financial constraints. By the end of the session, attendees will gain the knowledge and tools to effectively manage construction projects, ensuring sustainable, high-quality outcomes with minimal disruption to school operations.

• Identify key components of successful construction contracts, including critical elements in working with architects and contractors.
• Recognize effective methods for managing project timelines and staying on budget.
• Distinguish between standard and custom contract provisions to better negotiate favorable terms.
• Illustrate how to draft contract language that addresses the unique challenges of private schools, such as balancing educational needs with financial constraints.
• Plan to include specific provisions that protect against unforeseen risks while ensuring high-quality and timely project completion that minimizes disruptions to school operations.

Session Three

ListServ Live! Facilities Edition

Pamela Connor, Director of Operations, Campbell Hall

Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from others? This interactive session is your opportunity to ask burning questions, share challenges, and hear real-time solutions from fellow school colleagues. Just like posting on a Listserv - but live and dynamic! Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights from peers who have tackled similar financial and operational challenges.
• Exchange best practices and creative solutions to common issues in independent schools.
• Expand your network and build valuable connections for ongoing collaboration.

Come ready with questions, ideas and an open mind. Whether you're troubleshooting a financial, operational or HR hurdle, navigating new regulations or refining processes, this session will provide practical, real-world takeaways to bring back to your school. 

Networking Break

Session Four

Exploring Ways a Learning Environment can Benefit from and Utilize Natural Water Features & Fountainscapes

James Hiestand, Owner, DreamsScape with guest speaker Craig Fine, Owner/Operator, Water and Wood Fountains

This session will explore the many ways that fountainscapes and water features can be utilized in learning environments for the benefit of both staff and students. These potent and diverse benefits compel us to consider how to best make use of a water feature in each unique school setting. From improving signage with a waterfall, to creating a courtyard nature pond sanctuary, connecting with natures healing energy in a school setting is a great way to deepen our connection with ourselves and others. Topics to be discussed are:

-The different types of water features and fountainscapes that can be created.

-The profound effects of sitting by, seeing or hearing water and what it does for the nervous system, mind body connection, left/right brain balancing and energetic grounding.

-Where to locate a water feature.

-Living Water Ecosystems vs. chemically treated water.

-The importance of planting within and around water features.

-Various ways fountainscapes and water features can be used as tools for instruction, time outs and rewarding students.

-Costs, maintenance, liability and challenges.

Closing Remarks