Practical Training for Today’s Facilities Leaders
The School Facilities Management Academy is one of the Association’s most popular professional development programs, designed by and for experienced facilities directors and managers. Offered multiple times each year across New York State, the Academy delivers practical, actionable training that supports both new and seasoned facilities professionals.
Join us for our Upcoming Academy!
Tuesday, March 24 through Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – Western Suffolk BOCES, Long Island, NY
Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 3
Scholarship Opportunity – Apply Now
Thanks to the generous support of our Key Supporters, five scholarships are available for the School Facilities Managers’ Academy. All members are encouraged to apply. Nominations are open through February 9, 2026, with recipients notified by the end of February.
Send all applications to: sfmi@nyssfa.com.
Program Overview
Core Curriculum: Managers’ Track: Offered at every Academy session, the Managers’ Track provides foundational training essential to effective facilities management. This comprehensive program covers:
- Health & safety protocols
- Emergency hazard management
- Administrative requirements and compliance
- Energy conservation strategies
- Other critical aspects of facilities management
Specialized Professional Development: In addition to our core curriculum, we rotate between the following specialized tracks at each session:
- Capital Projects Track: Gain insights from industry professionals in architecture, engineering, construction, insurance, and financing. Sessions include guidance from bond and legal counsel who discuss all phases of planning and implementing successful capital construction projects.
- Personnel Track: Master essential leadership skills including effective hiring and interviewing techniques, progressive discipline approaches, employee evaluation methods, civil service legal requirements, and strategies for managing difficult conversations.
- Security & Emergency Management Track: Learn from security experts about implementing comprehensive security solutions, active shooter preparedness, safety plan development, security assessment protocols, and current best practices in school safety.
All-Inclusive Professional Experience: Tuition includes comprehensive materials, full meals (continental breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks on both days), dinner, and hotel accommodations for this immersive professional development opportunity.
Why Attend the School Facilities Management Academy?
The School Facilities Management Academy is designed to provide practical, immediately applicable training for professionals responsible for the operation, safety, and long-term planning of school facilities.
By attending, participants will:
- Gain up-to-date guidance on regulations, compliance, and best practices
- Learn directly from experienced facilities leaders and industry experts
- Strengthen skills in safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management
- Improve effectiveness in staff leadership, administration, and operations
- Network with peers facing similar challenges across New York State
Whether you are new to facilities management or a seasoned professional, the Academy delivers tools and insights you can apply immediately in your district.
“An outstanding experience from start to finish. The Managers Track was excellent, the instructors and vendors were top-notch, and the facility was impressive. I can’t wait to attend again next March.”
— Wayne M. Casey, Director of Facilities, Miller Place School District
Common Questions
Who Should Attend the Academy?
The Academy is ideal for facilities directors, assistant directors, managers, supervisors, and other professionals responsible for school operations, maintenance, safety, compliance, or capital planning.
How often is the Academy held?
The Academy is held twice each year:
March: (rotating between Syracuse at OCM BOCES and Long Island at Western Suffolk BOCES)
December (Capital Region BOCES in Albany, NY)
Do I choose a track when I register?
Yes. During registration, attendees will select either the Managers’ Track or the featured Specialized Track offered at that session.
What is included with tuition?
Tuition includes program materials, meals and refreshment breaks throughout the program, and hotel accommodations where applicable.
Will I receive a schedule in advance?
Yes. A detailed agenda and schedule will be shared with registered attendees prior to the Academy.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please contact our staff at sfmi@nyssfa.com with any questions regarding registration or program details.
