Start your day with a hot breakfast and networking, then settle in to hear the General Session!
7:00 AM
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Jimmy has spent nearly two decades working in Worcester Public Schools, now serving as the head custodian at an elementary school. He rises before dawn, maintaining his “janitorial zen” routine in quiet corridors and boiler rooms. He began doing stand-up in 2016 to fulfill a lifelong passion for comedy. With over hundreds of thousands of followers and tens of millions likes on TikTok, his school sketches, lunch reviews, and custodial hacks struck a chord.
8:00 AM
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Discover how artificial intelligence can make school facility management smarter, safer, and more efficient. This session highlights practical, real-world applications of AI—learn simple ways to start using AI tools that save time, cut costs, and support better decision-making in your district.
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Deep Dive
Leadership Skills
9:15 AM
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Keeping schools safe takes resources—and this session will help you find them. Join us for a guided overview of the security-related grants available to school districts, including what funding can cover, key eligibility requirements, and how to navigate the application process. You’ll walk away with practical insights and tools to strengthen your district’s safety initiatives through available state and federal grant opportunities.
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Safety
Security & Risk Management
9:15 AM
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Designing, building, and sustaining effective STEM and CTE learning environments requires more than just walls and wiring—it’s about creating dynamic spaces that align with curriculum, certifications, and industry standards. In this session, participants will explore best practices for facility construction, lab layout, and equipment selection that maximize both functionality and student engagement. We’ll dive into strategies for balancing cutting-edge technology with long-term sustainability, including how to plan for ongoing equipment maintenance, upgrades, and staff training. Drawing from real-world experience in designing and managing CTE facilities, this session will provide practical insights to help districts and schools create future-ready learning spaces that are safe, efficient, and adaptable to evolving workforce needs.
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Community Partnerships
9:15 AM
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An overview of preventive maintenance best practices and when they should be performed to prolong the equipment's effective lifespan. This session will focus not only on equipment, but also proper training and procedures for staff members performing the work.
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Infrastructure Management
9:15 AM
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Learn how 70+ School Districts have saved over $20 Million in their General Funds using Energy Data. Strategies will be presented that include electricity bill reduction, re-allocation, and recovery, along with new utility incentives.
9:15 AM
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This informational session will provide attendees with a high-level overview of unique and increasingly common construction elements found in school projects. Learn what you need to know about things like storm shelters for severe weather protection, aggregate piers for soil stabilization, and underground stormwater management systems. We'll break down what these systems are, why they’re used, and what to consider for maintenance, compliance, and future planning. Perfect for those looking to better understand the building elements behind the walls—and beneath the ground—of your facilities.
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Long Range Facility Planning
9:15 AM
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The procurement of goods and services and the management of vendor relations are a part of everyday practice for any industry. However, school districts are a little different. Join for an understanding of how school districts purchase and the importance of building the relationship with school district staff.
9:15 AM
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Sport surfaces and fields are critical to the operation of successful athletic programs. Learn how to manage different types of sports surfaces through effective field maintenance, aerating, seeding, fertilizing, top dressing, set-ups, and documentation. Artificial turf maintenance & product selection will be discussed.
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WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 5
9:15 AM
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Now is a great time to purchase your raffle tickets at registration so you are ready to see what prizes are available from participating vendors.
10:05 AM
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It is one thing to reference national benchmarks—it's another to validate whether your custodial staffing is truly sufficient for the unique demands of your school buildings. This session will empower facility leaders, business officials and operations managers with practical strategies to assess whether existing custodial staffing aligns with the real workload, space types and usage patterns of their facilities. Attendees will learn how to: Differentiate between perceived workload and actual task demand; Evaluate daily schedules, non-cleaning responsibilities and cleaning routes; Use FTE calculations to determine cleaning capacity; Identify signs of understaffing or inefficiency; Incorporate input from custodial teams to improve coverage without increasing headcount; Support staffing recommendations with real data when communicating with administration or boards.
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Workplace Culture & People Management
10:20 AM
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When severe weather strikes after the school day ends, facilities staff are often the ones still on site. This session focuses on practical strategies for facilities directors to prepare, train, and respond when storms or other severe weather events impact school buildings after administrators have gone home. Learn best practices for staff safety, communication protocols, and facility procedures tailored to the unique challenges of Midwest weather.
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Safety
Security & Risk Management
10:20 AM
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Join Will Kenne, Director of Operations for the Madison Mallards for a behind-the-scenes look at managing a busy ballpark—and how those lessons apply to school facilities. Will will share how he got into the field, the scope of his work, and the strategies he uses to staff and maintain a facility that serves thousands of fans each season. From hiring and outsourcing to project planning, field maintenance, and emergency management, Will will highlight practical approaches to keeping operations running smoothly. He’ll also share a few fun player stories and fan engagement examples, offering fresh ideas for creating safe, welcoming, and community-centered environments on any campus.
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Infrastructure Management
10:20 AM
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This session equips construction professionals with strategies to anticipate and address stakeholder questions. From school administration to neighbors, this guide tackles the complexities of maintenance projects, heavy renovations and site logistics. Empower your team to foster transparent communication, mitigate concerns and ensure smooth project progression by understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives.
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Community Partnerships
10:20 AM
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Examine ten powerful initiatives that have built-in resources to achieve more sustainable operations initiatives in your district. Learn new tactics you can implement in your district with limited cost and investment that have lasting impact. Grants, partnerships and other resources are available to help you grow and achieve the best results possible for your district.
10:20 AM
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• Importance of Asking the Right Questions • Understanding Maintenance Needs • Design for Durability and longevity • Accessibility and Safety • Energy Efficiency and Sustainability • Cost Management • Collaboration and Communication • Technology Integration • Case Studies and Examples
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Long Range Facility Planning
10:20 AM
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Your presenters will review the state accounting codes (WUFAR) as they apply to their school district, the processes they use to develop a facilities budget, and how they are attempting to work with declining budget amounts.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 5
10:20 AM
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Take this time to network with the over 130 exhibitors. Visit vendors and learn about their products and services then scan the exhibitor' QR Code to gain points in the Conference Game Zone on WASBO Go. Top winners will receive prizes. This is a great way to meet new vendors and broaden your network of resources!
11:10 AM
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Learn how districts can take a strategic approach to energy and facility upgrades that lower costs, support sustainability goals, and create lasting value for schools. Our team will share real project insights and discuss how renewable energy options—like solar—and other efficiency measures can fit into your district’s long-term planning.
11:15 AM
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This session will introduce the Utility Bill Verified Savings offering, with insights into upcoming open enrollment dates. Our team will explore how benchmarking, controls, and operational strategies can reduce peak demand and overall kWh usage.
11:15 AM
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Infrared Thermography: Building Envelope and Electrical Systems – Understand how infrared cameras are used in the preventative maintenance of school buildings. In this session, we will be discussing and demonstrating how to use infrared surveys for the detection of moisture of roof systems, as well as the use of infrared cameras for electrical system maintenance. Using infrared technology is a critical part of determining where there is electrical heat or a bad connection to prevent equipment failure, power outages or even fire. Water Entry Investigations - Proper techniques to identify recurring water leaks in the building envelope; how to tackle problematic leaks the first time. Water entry in buildings can be very costly if not accurately diagnosed the first time. With a heightened awareness of mold and the cleanup costs associated with mold, it is critical that water entry is corrected properly when first detected. This session will discuss methodology in diagnosing leaks and how to repair leaks for a long-term solution.
11:15 AM
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Get to know your local SERVPRO team, proudly serving Madison, Waukesha, Jefferson, and Oconomowoc. This short session features a mini video or photo slideshow introducing the owners and team members who work behind the scenes to support our schools and communities. You’ll see how our coverage area connects with local districts and learn more about the partnerships that make a difference when unexpected challenges arise. We’ll finish with a casual Q&A and invite you to stop by our booth afterward to say hello, grab a treat, or enter our raffle.
11:15 AM
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Be ready before disaster strikes. In this session, we’ll explore simple, proactive steps schools can take to prepare for water, fire, or storm events. Attendees will walk through a mini version of SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) process — a hands-on way to identify critical details like water shut-offs, boiler rooms, and defibrillator locations. We’ll share real-world examples and photos to help you visualize what readiness looks like in your own buildings. You’ll leave with a helpful “School Readiness Checklist” and an easy way to connect for your free ERP consultation.
11:45 AM
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This program will address 15 safety and security concepts that will increase the overall security of your school building. All concepts can be implemented immediately with little or no cost to the school district.
11:45 AM
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Installing solar panels at your school is great for sustainable energy, yet it can cost your school district more money than it saves if you don’t ask 4 important questions before your roof system becomes a candidate for solar panels: 1. Does your roof system have the ability to receive solar panels? 3 areas to evaluate before you will know. 2. Will it hold the weight? Know the structural requirements ahead of time. 3. How will my roof be protected during installation? Leak prevention and roof maintenance. 4. What is the potential financial impact if the solar panels need to be removed and reinstalled for a roof replacement? This session will focus on what you need to know about your roof and building envelope before installing solar panel systems. Discovering that your roof needs to be replaced or the structure is not up to the required standards after a solar panel installation can cost the district tens of thousands of dollars that may not be in the budget.
11:45 AM
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This session explores energy-saving strategies for K-12 schools, focusing on lighting upgrades and operational controls to enhance facility performance and unlock cost savings.
11:45 AM
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Continue your conversation with peers and exhibitors over lunch. Purchase raffle tickets at the registration desk and check out the prizes donated by exhibitors. You have ten tickets in your name badge to get you started! Proceeds help provide attendee scholarships for the 2025 Conference.
12:10 PM
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Explore the challenges of balancing work and life as a school facilities professional, emphasizing the importance of self-care amid constant ongoing demands. Learn how to leverage your personal strengths to manage stress, maintain personal well-being and sustain long-term success in your role.
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Workplace Culture & People Management
1:10 PM
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This book study invites school district leaders to explore The 13 Behaviors of a High Trust Leader by Franklin Covey and examine how trust transforms leadership and organizational culture. Through guided reflection and discussion, participants will learn how Covey’s principles can strengthen relationships, enhance collaboration, and improve results across teams and departments.
By connecting the 13 high-trust behaviors to real-world school leadership challenges, participants will gain practical strategies to model credibility, build stronger teams, and lead with greater confidence and integrity.
1:10 PM
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Reunification is the process of safely reuniting students and caregivers following an unplanned, potentially critical, event. While it’s something schools/districts hope they never have to put into action, having a solid reunification plan in place is essential for alleviating stress and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. When an event happens, the entire community is affected, and thorough preparation will create trust, confidence, and patience. Families and communities will benefit from knowing that their children’s school/district is prepared for such an event. This process requires extensive planning and strong communication between key members of the community, including law enforcement, emergency management, school personnel, students, and families. For many schools/districts, the idea of starting from scratch can feel overwhelming, or even impossible. In this presentation representatives will walk through the process followed by the DeForest Area School District in DeForest Wisconsin, as they transitioned from having no reunification plan to developing a comprehensive and effective strategy. While DeForest uses the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation, the strategies discussed can be applied to any reunification plan. Presenters share firsthand experiences and lessons learned. Participants will leave with a framework for developing their own reunification plan, creating a professional development plan, along with tips on recruiting volunteers. Additionally, the presentation will discuss how to collaborate across districts and counties to share resources and plan together. We will cover reunification plan selection, development, and the steps it will take to go from nothing to establishing a solid reunification plan.
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Safety
Security & Risk Management
1:10 PM
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Today, Wisconsin’s schools operate in a natural gas market that is becoming unstable. Behind all this lies further risks that could quickly spiral into chaos: global supply shocks, pipeline constraints, bad contracts, and policy shifts that drive costs unpredictably higher. In this presentation, we’ll first ground ourselves in the current realities of procurement and supply, then explore two sharply different futures: one defined by volatility, escalating costs, and instability, and another shaped by proactive strategies, disciplined procurement, and long-term control. By the end, attendees will see not only what could undermine the market, but also the practical steps school districts can take to mitigate risk, stabilize budgets, and bring order to an uncertain future.
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Community Partnerships
Sustainability
1:10 PM
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This presentation highlights the critical importance of custodial services in maintaining a clean, safe and efficient learning environment. Explore how custodial staff directly impact student health, safety and success, while contributing to the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of school facilities. From routine maintenance to emergency response, custodians are vital to the overall functioning of the school district.
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Infrastructure Management
1:10 PM
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Installing solar panels on your building is great for sustainable energy, yet it can cost you more money than it saves. This session will focus on what you need to know about your roof and building envelope before installing solar panel systems by answering four important questions. 1.What you need to know about solar panel and roof 101 basics 2.Solar panel lessons learned and best practices 3.A defined roof solar panel installation approach
1:10 PM
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This presentation is designed to equip school districts with a clear understanding of the requirements, purchasing options, and the importance of soliciting bids for capital and maintenance projects. Attendees will learn the practical value of multiple bids in ensuring transparency and cost control. The session will also provide further explanation of cooperative purchasing contracts available to school districts. Through real-world examples and best practices, participants will gain insight into when and how to apply traditional competitive bidding versus cooperative procurement, how to navigate board policy purchasing requirements, and how to prioritize best value while maintaining public trust. The goal is to help facility leaders make informed, efficient, and defensible decisions on capital project procurement.
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Long Range Facility Planning
1:10 PM
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In this session we will cover all aspects of capital planning from the development of a five or ten year plan for major maintenance, energy, security, etc. to planning of new schools or additions. Your presenters will discuss how to prioritize projects as well as identifying funding sources, managing tax impact, and understanding debt retirement schedules. They will also discuss formulating a communication plan to present your plan to the Superintendent, School Board and general public. Finally, they will cover potential resources to help you in the overall capital planning process.
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WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 5
1:10 PM
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Take this time to network with the over 130 exhibitors. Visit vendors and learn about their products and services then scan the exhibitor's QR Code to gain points in the Conference Game Zone on WASBO Go. Top winners will receive prizes. This is a great way to meet new vendors and broaden your network of resources! You also will want to purchase raffle tickets and drop your tickets before 3:30PM for the prizes you want to win. Prizes will be drawn during the last session and posted on WASBO Go in time for the Exhibit Hall Social. Keep your tickets. Any unclaimed prizes will be drawn at 5:15PM. You must be present to win.
2:00 PM
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Discover the future of energy design under the new energy code and how it will impact both your district operations and your budget.
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Sustainable Operations
2:30 PM
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Athletic facilities present unique safety challenges—from field maintenance and lighting to locker rooms, spectator areas, and emergency access routes. In this session, an experienced athletic director will highlight the key areas where facilities and grounds teams play a critical role in ensuring safe environments for students, staff, and visitors. Participants will learn how collaboration between athletics and facilities can prevent injuries, support compliance, and improve the overall safety of athletic programs.
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Community Partnerships
Safety
Security and Risk Management
2:30 PM
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All Superheroes struggle with something; Superman had Kryptonite, right? For many of us, our Kryptonite is Public Speaking. What if there are specific tools and techniques that we can use, which will make us look like true Superheroes?! Our session will provide us with practical and simple ways we can improve and become more effective communicators.
2:30 PM
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Lead exposure can harm children's health and development. Even low levels of lead in the body affect learning, behavior, IQ, and growth. Any school building constructed before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, which remains one of the leading causes of childhood lead poisoning in Wisconsin. Lead can also be found in plumbing fixtures, soil, and dust. This session will review how to identify common sources of lead in schools, provide practical strategies for reducing risks, and outline what to watch for if remediation work is needed. Guidance will include best practices for cleaning and maintenance, support for developing a “lead-safe schools toolkit,” and reminders about DHS 163, the Lead-Safe Renovation Rule.
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Safety
Security & Risk Management
2:30 PM
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Join us to compare the differences between artificial turf and natural grass in terms of performance, durability and environmental benefits. This session will focus on better understanding the two options as well as which choice better matches your district's needs. Attendees will also learn how to properly maintain and protect their investment.
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Infrastructure Management
2:30 PM
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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has significant and measurable impacts on health of students and staff as well as on learning. Improving school IAQ can lead to positive results such as lowering absenteeism rates and improving employee comfort/satisfaction. HVAC systems play a major role in overall quality of air in buildings, but they also come with major expenses that not every school can address immediately. In this session we’ll talk about other variables that influence IAQ plus some low- to no-cost and simple, yet effective, solutions to improving IAQ in your school, solutions that can be implemented still this school year! In addition, attendees will be introduced to the Clean Air School Challenge – a newly launched program designed to help K-12 schools nationwide address IAQ issues, regardless of their previous knowledge of or experience working on IAQ improvements.
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Community Partnerships
Infrastructure Management
2:30 PM
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The buzz for reducing salt pollution from winter management practices is growing. Coupled with increased expectations for reducing damage on hardscapes, landscapes, metal infrastructure, concrete and building entrances, smart salting practices are around the corner. Learn about these practices and walk away with action steps for implementation and tools to educate staff and students.
2:30 PM
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With the passage of many facility referenda, Wisconsin facility managers have been tasked with oversight of billions of dollars in construction projects over the last decade. A facility manager's role in each of these projects can differ, but trust that you will be expected to lead, and that large projects can consume a facility manager for years at a time. This course is designed to give a brief overview of the stages of a referendum, from planning, through execution. We will review some pitfalls to avoid as well as opportunities that will present themselves.
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WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 5
2:30 PM
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Facility directors shape safe, inclusive environments, but true inclusivity goes beyond physical spaces. This session covers the essentials of diversity, equity and inclusion in school facilities, including real-life scenarios and practical steps for facility leaders to foster belonging and support all students and staff. Join the conversation to make a meaningful impact in your office and your school.
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Workplace Culture & People Management
3:50 PM
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In school operations, one must be a leader in time management, forecasting and the execution of key projects. This session will provide strategies to mitigate risks throughout the facilities operations and maintenance planning processes.
3:50 PM
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When emergencies happen, school facilities teams are often the first with critical knowledge of buildings, systems, and grounds. In this session, three facilities directors who also serve as local firefighters will share practical strategies for partnering with first responders. Attendees will learn how facilities staff can improve building access, communication, emergency planning, and recovery efforts—ensuring their districts are ready to support first responders when every second counts.
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Safety
Security & Risk Management
3:50 PM
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Polished concrete has become an increasingly popular choice in educational facilities for its durability, safety, and long-term value. This AIA-accredited session will give school district facility directors a practical understanding of polished concrete—how it performs in high-traffic environments, the various installation methods available, and how it compares to conventional flooring systems. Attendees will explore how polished concrete can help reduce maintenance costs, improve indoor environmental quality, and support sustainable building goals within schools. The session will also address important specification considerations, system options, and coordination tips for successful project delivery. Participants will learn what to look for when selecting qualified contractors and how to ensure installations meet both performance and aesthetic expectations, resulting in safe, efficient, and attractive learning environments for students and staff.
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Infrastructure Management
3:50 PM
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This presentation will provide insight as to how commercial radon testing differs from residential and the importance of contracting a vendor that meets ANSI standards.
3:50 PM
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Long Range Facility Planning
3:50 PM
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Required and Recommended Inspections for the Facility Director will provide school facility leaders with a clear understanding of which inspections can be performed in-house and which require a licensed or certified professional, while also outlining the key codes and standards that govern these requirements. Drawing on practical examples and decades of experience, this session will equip directors with the knowledge and tools to prioritize inspections, ensure compliance, and strengthen documentation practices that protect both facilities and the communities they serve.
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Long Range Facility Planning
3:50 PM
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All construction contracts require complete budgets, allowances, contingencies and change orders. The expenditures and tracking are contract terms/procedures requiring a knowledge of best practice. Listen to advice from a CSBO, Owners Rep and Attorney.
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Infrastructure Management
3:50 PM
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Continue the networking with your colleagues and exhibitors. You have one drink ticket in your namebadge. Check WASBO Go to see if your red raffle tickets were drawn for the many prizes provided by participating exhibitors. Keep your tickets. Any unclaimed prizes redrawn at 5:15PM. You must be present to win.
4:40 PM
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You are invited to the Tailgate to enjoy networking with peers, Monday Night Football and Corn Hole! Show your colors and wear your favorite sports apparel. There will be snacks, beverages, and prizes. A conference favorite you will want to attend!
8:00 PM
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