The School Facilities Management Institute, Inc. (SFMI) is a non-profit educational organization created by the New York State School Facilities Association, Inc. (SFA) for the purpose of developing education and training for school facilities management.
Educational programs are offered to directors of school facilities, their key staff, and others interested in pursuing a career in the field.
The New York State School Facilities Association and the School Facilities Management Institute work together to provide a wide range of professional development, scholarship, peer-to-peer support and other valuable benefits, including the Association’s certification programs.
Mission
Our mission is to develop education and training that supports the highest standards of a safe, healthy learning environment and supports educational excellence through professional development.
Professional Development
Professional Development & Training
The programs developed by the Association and the Institute are developed by School Facility Managers for School Facility Managers, resulting in timely and useful training. We offer various educational opportunities including:
- Webinars: SFA and SFMI offer webinars throughout the year, FREE to members. These programs are designed to provide practical, quick tools and techniques to help properly maintain clean, safe, healthy school districts across the state.
- Annual Conference and Expo: Our yearly conference brings together facilities professionals from across the state for networking, continuing education, and exposure to the latest products and services.
- School Facilities Managers’ Academy: Specialized training developed specifically for school facilities professionals.
Certification
SFMI offers several professional certification paths:
- Certified Director of Facilities (CDF) The CDF program certifies that you are a professional who is fully qualified and competent to handle the duties and responsibilities of your profession and continually upgrading skills to match the latest school systems and procedures. Earning the CDF designation requires the accumulation of qualifying points. The point system represents a broad base of knowledge and experiences of the candidates. Completion of the Personal Data Portfolio (PDP), written and oral exams, seminars and training courses, and volunteer leadership in the organization are some examples of accomplishments that qualify for the point accumulation system.
- Affiliate Development Certification (ADC) The Affiliate Development Certification, or ADC, enables SFA Affiliate Members (those whose duties support the director of school facilities) to broaden their knowledge, sharpen their skills and achieve a key milestone that can move their career forward. Through ADC, you prove or gain competencies across the spectrum of facility issues — from personnel management and technical systems to facilities management, safety, and codes.
- Advanced Affiliate Development Certification (AADC) Advanced Affiliate Development Certification is the next step on your road to success. After successfully completing your ADC you can move on to earn your AADC. The AADC consists of 13 additional competencies, an Accreditation Committee Review, and an Accreditation Committee interview.
- Registered Director of Facilities (RDF) If you have not worked for five years in the operation and maintenance of educational facilities but you meet all the other requirements, you can obtain your Registered Director of Facilities (RDF) certificate. Then, on your fifth anniversary of working as a director of school facilities, you will receive your CDF.
Online Accreditation Portal
The online accreditation portal has been developed for the purpose of providing education and training programs on timely school facilities management issues. After reviewing program requirements, you can complete and return your application with the nonrefundable fee. Once received, SFMI will send instructions on completing the rest of the process, with access to your portal.
The Importance of School Facilities Management
It’s our pleasure to share with you our video, “It Takes A Professional.” One of SFA’s primary goals is to make the connection between the work we do and the kids we serve. Please share it with your district’s administration and school board to help spread the word about the importance of our work and its impact on children.
Professional Benefits
Becoming certified through SFMI provides numerous benefits:
- Recognition of professional competence
- Career advancement opportunities
- Network with fellow facilities professionals
- Access to specialized training and education
- Stay current with latest facilities management practices
With technology changing so fast, and communities asking more of their facilities, school districts actively seek leaders who have demonstrated their skills, experience, and commitment to learning.
Professional Development Conference and Expo
Our annual conference is a premier professional development event with a special emphasis on leadership education for school facilities directors, senior staff and staff aspiring to be a school facilities director. The expo offered at the conference offers an important opportunity to meet and interact with business partners key to our public school operations.
Online Education
The Institute is working with the NYS School Facilities Association, NYS colleges and universities, and national contacts on the development of content for online education designed for aspiring facilities directors and all those interested in online education in our core compententies. Visit this website regularly to see updates on our online education programs.
Leadership
The School Facilities Management Institute is led by dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing the field of school facilities management through education and professional development. Our leadership team brings extensive experience in facilities management within educational settings.
Board of Directors
First Chair: Jamie Smith, The Storm King School
Second Chair: Filled in 2025
Vice Chair, David Ciurczak, Starpoint CSD
Secretary: Jack Rallo, South Orangetown CSD
Treasurer: Marty Abrams, Herricks UFSD
SFA Leadership Reps:
Matthew DellaPenna, Genesee Valley BOCES
Dennis Martin, South Huntington School District
Andrew Ridgeway, CDF, Sandy Creek CSD
Matthew Erwin, North Syracuse CSD
Elected:
Term ends 2026: Patty Cerio, OHM BOCES
Term ends 2026: Josh Reiss, ONC BOCES
Term ends 2025: Keith Langlotz, Williamsville CSD
Term ends 2025: Keith Watkins, CDF, City School District of New Rochelle
Staff
Kathleen Van De Loo, Executive Director
Megan Murphy, Program Director
Contact
136 Everett Road | Albany, New York 12205
P: 518.465.0563 Toll Free: 800.359.7242
E: sfmi@nyssfa.com
