NYS Association for Superintendents of School Buildings and Grounds

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Communicating the Profession, Celebrating our Members
Throughout this year's conference we discussed the importance of communication, both written and verbal. Communication is key to our success, both as school facility professionals and leaders within our organization. As individuals we are responsible for maintaining clean, safe, healthy, energy efficient learning environments for our local school children and communities. Collectively, we help ensure New York State remains a leader in k-12 education in the United States. We have much to celebrate and communicate.

One of my goals this year is to help you all tell your story, both on a local and state level. Throughout the year we will provide various press release templates highlighting education and training events, legislative success and most importantly, member accomplishments. I encourage you all to personalize these releases, for yourself as well as your Chapter, and distribute them to local media. These templates will go out to Association and Chapter leaders, be included in our monthly e-newsletters and be posted to our website. Please take advantage of them. We've just completed one of the most successful conferences and exhibit shows in our Association's history, thanks to all of our leaders and the very strong education and training program that was offered. This achievement simply epitomizes the substance of what we bring to the table; let's be sure to share this news with our communities!

Promoting Professional Development
Six years ago the SBGA Board of Directors took an historic step in our Association's history by establishing the School Facilities Management Institute, Inc. (SFMI). The institute was created for the purpose of providing our members education and training programs on timely school facilities management issues.

Today we continue to emphasize professional development and the important role we play in providing a safe and healthy learning environment for the school districts we serve. This year we will continue to enhance our regional training programs; revitalize the Certified Director of Facilities (CDF) program; grow the Affiliate Development Program (ADP); expand upon the Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) degree and certificate programs; and new this year, develop and promote the bachelor degree program with Empire State College.

Few things inspire confidence like a solid education and credentials. Congratulations to those of you who have taken advantage of the professional development opportunities SBGA and SFMI strive to provide; I encourage you all to consider taking your profession to the next level.

Providing a Network
In closing, I must echo my predecessor's words. A year ago my good friend Joe Hammond, CDF acknowledged the challenges we all face on a daily basis. These same obstacles are still in front of us today. To continue to thrive, we must engage one another; learn from each other; support each other. It is imperative that our members continue to pursue quality networking opportunities between local school districts; between neighboring chapters; and between every region of this state. We continue to be our greatest resource.

Again, thank you all for your confidence and support. I look forward to working with you in strengthening this outstanding organization.

In partnership,
Chris Ouderkirk, CDF
SBGA President
Sandy Creek CSD