New York State School Facilities Association

08/25/2026

Advance Your Career. Strengthen Your Expertise. Earn Professional Recognition.

The School Facilities Management Institute (SFMI), in partnership with the New York State School Facilities Association (NYSSFA), offers a comprehensive accreditation program designed to help school facilities professionals grow, lead, and be recognized for their expertise.

Whether you're building your career or pursuing advanced professional development, our tiered accreditation pathways provide opportunities to expand your knowledge, validate your experience, and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in school facilities management.

Our programs include:
✔ Registered Director of Facilities (RDF)
✔ Certified Director of Facilities (CDF)
✔ Affiliate Development Certification (ADC)
✔ Advanced Affiliate Development Certification (AADC)

Earning an SFMI accreditation is more than a credential, it is a reflection of your dedication to professional growth, leadership, and the continued advancement of New York's school facilities profession.

If you're ready to take the next step in your professional journey, we encourage you to apply online today.

🔗 Learn more and submit your application: https://schoolfacilitiesinstitute.org/accreditation/

08/20/2026

Preparing for the next chapter of NYSSFA leadership.

This week, NYSSFA leaders gathered in Saratoga Springs for a full-day transition meeting focused on continuity, collaboration and the future of the Association.

Led by President David Ciurczak and Executive Director Kathy Van De Loo, the discussion provided an opportunity to look closely at where NYSSFA has been, where we are today and where we are headed next. Leaders worked through the Association’s mission, organizational structure, current goals and priorities for the year ahead, with conversations spanning governance, advocacy, professional partnerships, conferences, communications, finances, membership, supporter programs and staff relations.

The meeting also looked ahead to an important leadership transition this fall. At the Association Banquet on Tuesday, October 6, President David Ciurczak will pass the gavel to First Vice President Jack Rallo. Earlier that day, Steve West will be formally elected Third Vice President.

Strong associations are built not only on leadership, but on thoughtful transitions between leaders. We’re proud of where we’ve been, excited about where we’re going, and grateful for the leaders helping us get there.

08/18/2026

The Exhibit Hall for the 2026 NYSSFA School Facilities Conference & Expo is officially sold out!

We are grateful for the tremendous support from our corporate partners and exhibitors. Your continued commitment to New York's school facilities community helps make this conference one of the premier educational and networking events for facilities professionals across the state.

While exhibit booth space is no longer available, there are still a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining. Sponsorships offer an excellent opportunity to increase your organization's visibility, strengthen brand recognition, and demonstrate your support for the professionals who maintain and improve our schools every day.

If you're interested in showcasing your organization before these opportunities are gone, we encourage you to secure your sponsorship soon.

📩 Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about the remaining sponsorship opportunities: https://schoolfacilitiesinstitute.org/annual-conference/sponsorship/

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Saratoga Springs this October!

Please note: Organizations must maintain an active NYSSFA Business Partner Membership to participate as an exhibitor or sponsor. If you're not currently a Business Partner, visit our website to learn more about membership and become eligible for future exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities.

08/14/2026

TOMORROW: SEHP Webinar - MPS Update -

This webinar is part of the School Environmental Health Program's FREE monthly webinar series focused on indoor air quality (IAQ) and other environmental health topics. Webinars are led by subject matter experts. Depending on the session, webinars may be traditional 45-minute presentations with t...

08/13/2026

Advancing Energy Solutions for New York's Schools

Helping school districts improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and prepare for the future requires collaboration, innovation, and access to trusted resources.

Through NYSSFA's long-standing partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), our members benefit from valuable educational programs, technical expertise, and energy-focused initiatives designed specifically for school facilities professionals.

This partnership provides opportunities to:
• Participate in industry-leading educational and certification programs
• Learn about emerging energy technologies and best practices
• Explore strategies to improve energy performance and reduce operating costs
• Connect with NYSERDA experts and industry leaders through NYSSFA conferences and educational events
• Access resources that support sustainable, cost-effective facilities management

In addition, NYSSFA's Energy Committee works year-round alongside industry partners and stakeholders to provide guidance, share knowledge, and support school districts as they navigate today's evolving energy landscape.

This collaboration reflects NYSSFA's ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful resources that help members make informed decisions while supporting efficient, sustainable learning environments across New York State.

Learn more about NYSSFA membership and the resources available to school facilities professionals: https://nysschoolfacilities.org/members/why-join/

08/13/2026

Reminder: Chapter Reports Due September 1 -

08/11/2026

Speaker Spotlight: Lieutenant Colonel Jason O. Harris

Exceptional leadership doesn't happen by chance, it is built on trust.

This October at the 2026 NYSSFA School Facilities Conference & Expo, we're honored to welcome Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jason O. Harris as our featured keynote speaker.

A nationally recognized leadership expert, bestselling author, and fourth-generation military service member, Jason served nearly three decades in the U.S. Air Force, flying more than 2,000 combat hours across 11 deployments before retiring as a Boeing KC-46 Squadron Commander.

Drawing from those experiences, he developed his acclaimed No Fail Trust® methodology, helping organizations build stronger cultures of accountability, performance, and trust. His work has been featured by leading organizations including Cisco, Ford, Caterpillar, Lockheed Martin, and in Forbes and the History Channel.

During our conference keynote luncheon, Jason will share practical leadership strategies that every school facilities professional can apply, whether you're leading a department, managing a team, or navigating today's increasingly complex workplace.

Leadership begins with trust. Join us as we learn from one of the nation's leading voices on both.

📅 October 4–7, 2026
📍 Saratoga Springs, NY

Register today: https://schoolfacilitiesinstitute.org/annual-conference/attendees/conference-registration/

08/06/2026

Your local chapter is where connections become community.

One of the greatest strengths of the New York State School Facilities Association is our network of 18 regional chapters across New York State. Each chapter brings together school facilities professionals who share ideas, solve challenges, and learn from one another.

Whether you're looking to:

Expand your professional network
Learn from experienced colleagues
Stay informed on industry trends and best practices
Develop your leadership skills
Become more involved in the profession
..your local NYSSFA chapter is the perfect place to start.

Our chapters provide opportunities for collaboration, education, mentorship, and professional growth, all while connecting you with peers who understand the unique challenges of school facilities management.

We encourage you to get involved, attend a chapter meeting, and discover the value of being part of your local NYSSFA community.

📍 Find your local chapter and get connected: https://nysschoolfacilities.org/chapters/chapter-leaders/

Please note: Chapter participation is a benefit of NYSSFA membership. You must be a current NYSSFA member to join a local chapter. Learn more and become a member by visiting our website.

08/04/2026

Built on Tradition. Education. Community.

When I accepted the opportunity to serve as President of NYSSFA, I spent a great deal of time reflecting on what truly makes our Association special. The answer wasn't a building, a program, or even an event, it was the people.

For generations, NYSSFA has been built by professionals who believe in sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and leaving our schools stronger than we found them. Those values inspired this year's theme: Built on Tradition. Education. Community.

This October in Saratoga Springs, we'll bring that theme to life.

We'll celebrate the traditions that have shaped our profession, invest in the education that prepares us for tomorrow's challenges, and strengthen the community that has always been the foundation of NYSSFA.

Whether you're a first-time attendee or have been coming for years, I encourage you to join us. The conversations you'll have, the ideas you'll take home, and the relationships you'll build will continue long after the conference ends.

I look forward to welcoming you this October.

— Dave Ciurczak
President, New York State School Facilities Association

📍 2026 NYSSFA Annual Conference & Expo
October 4–7 | Saratoga Springs, NY

Register today: https://schoolfacilitiesinstitute.org/annual-conference/attendees/conference-registration/

07/31/2026

🔔 Have You Renewed Your NYSSFA Membership?

The 2026–2027 NYSSFA membership period officially began on July 1, and we encourage all members to renew to continue enjoying the valuable benefits of membership.

As a member, you'll have access to:
✔ Professional development opportunities
✔ Networking with school facilities professionals across New York State
✔ Educational resources and industry updates
✔ Member pricing on conferences, academies, and events
✔ A strong professional community dedicated to advancing school facilities management

Not a member yet? There's never been a better time to join! Whether you're a school facilities professional or an industry business partner, NYSSFA membership connects you with the people, resources, and education that help you succeed.

✅ Renew or become a member today: https://nysschoolfacilities.org/join-now/

We look forward to another year of learning, collaboration, and building stronger school facilities together!