Why NYSSFA?
Our mission is to be leaders in maintaining the highest standards of a safe, healthy learning environment and to support educational excellence through the prudent management of resources.
The New York State School Facilities Association (SFA) serves as a voice for more than 600 Directors of School Facilities, Facilities Managers, Head Custodians, Health and Safety Coordinators, and other key school facilities personnel.
Below our several reasons to join us, and you may download our Membership Brochure for more information.
LOCAL PRESENCE
SFA has more than 600 members representing 18 local Chapters across New York State. Chapters conduct regular meetings, special events and educational opportunities. Find your Chapter Leader and join your local Chapter today!
EDUCATION
SFA’s educational arm, the School Facilities Management Institute (SFMI), hosts our Annual Conference & Expo, webinars, Annual Academy Series, and Classrooms of the Future Summit. There are opportunities to earn accreditation through SFMI and degrees in School Facilities Management through Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) and Empire State College (ESC).
In addition, we've partnered with ONE Training to offer all members FREE access to the Steps for Survival course, which takes participants through a brief history of active shooter events to help them understand commonalities and enduring issues before moving into ways to respond. These things include managing stress responses, techniques to improve situational awareness, response options in the event of an active shooter and methods of securing a weapon to decrease loss of life during an event. The course is monitored by ONE Training staff and includes participation sections, a printable study guide, quizzes and a certificate of completion at the end. Members also have the opportunity to take the entire staff series back to their districts at a highly discounted rate. Email info@nyssfa.com for details.
JOB BANK
As a resource to our members and school communities, SFA offers a job bank to share open positions in the facilities management field. This benefits our members by providing opportunities for job advancement and gives school districts a place to advertise open positions.
DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES LAW
SFA was instrumental in passing legislation that established NYS Civil Service qualifications for school district Director of Facilities (I, II, III) positions. This law included a statewide exam, replacing all regional exams and streamlining the certification process. SFA is deeply committed to supporting our members through the state civil service process.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Find news, information, videos, articles, resources, exclusive benefits, access to the member directory and resource library at nyssfa.com.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Educational law and the Civil Service system can be daunting and intimidating. SFA helps its members navigate legal professional concerns by offering one-hour free telephone consultation with our legal counsel.
ADVOCACY
SFA maintains a vocal and visible presence among state lawmakers and policymakers. In addition, SFA has built strong partnerships with other key educational organizations to promote the importance of having strong facilities professionals in our schools.
RECOGNITION
Peer support and acknowledgement of industry accomplishments is a key priority. Members are recognized through our weekly e-newsletter, Wednesday Wake Up, as well as our social media platforms and at our Annual Conference.
NETWORKING
SFA Members connect through the SFA's educational institute (SFMI) Annual Conference & Expo, webinars, social media, the online member directory and local Chapter events.
COMMUNICATION
Frequent communication provides members with association and industry news, career tips, member highlights, educational articles, event updates and more. We are social too! SFA hosts groups on Facebook and Twitter, allowing professionals to connect and share.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SFA offers member-oriented scholarships and opportunities for dependent children of members to help defray college costs.
FACILITIES ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
A customizable and proactive approach to optimizing a school district’s facilities management plan. Facilities professionals travel to districts to develop recommendations for systemized and cost efficient facilities management.