Dear NYSSFA Members,
I am extremely proud, honored, and thankful to serve as your President over the next year. Our Association and its members hold a very special place in my heart. Over the past sixteen years, both have supported me in countless ways—and now it’s my turn to give back to all of you.
When I began thinking about a theme for this year, my first thought was to focus on the infrastructure we create for students and staff. I initially considered “Infrastructure that Empowers.” But as the conference approached, I kept reflecting on what truly makes our Association so strong. Three words kept coming to mind.
Our Theme for the Year
“NYSSFA – Built on Tradition, Education, Community.”
These three pillars define who we are and guide the work ahead:
- Tradition – We honor those who built the foundation we stand on. While our focus is on the future, we never forget the legacy that brought us here.
- Education – We serve education every day—not only for students, but through training, certification, and professional development for our members. Lifelong learning strengthens us all.
- Community – We are more than colleagues; we are a family. We share ideas, challenges, solutions, and support—building the kind of community that makes NYSSFA truly special.
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Looking Ahead
During my remarks at the conference, I shared a belief we all understand deeply:
“Students cannot learn and teachers cannot teach without safe, healthy, and functional schools.”
This doesn’t happen without the work we do. We are the backbone of education.
As your President, my vision is to strengthen that backbone by focusing on three key priorities:
1. Member Development – Expanding training, certification, and leadership opportunities for every member.
2. Advocacy – Ensuring our voices are heard in Albany and beyond. Investing in facilities isn’t optional—it’s essential to healthy schools and thriving communities.
3. Connection & Collaboration – Creating more opportunities for members to network, share best practices, and support one another.
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This vision can only be achieved together.
I encourage every member to stay engaged—mentor someone new, get involved with your local chapter, share your expertise, and help shape the future of our profession.
Together, we will continue to build on what makes this Association so strong: Tradition, Education, and Community.
Thank you for the honor of serving as your President. I look forward to all we will accomplish in the year ahead.
With appreciation,
Dave Ciurczak
President
New York State School Facilities Association
