Before the New York State School Facilities Association’s (NYSSFA’s) legislative advocacy, school facilities directors faced a fragmented civil service system that undermined professional recognition and career mobility. Each local jurisdiction administered different exams that often failed to reflect the actual responsibilities of the position. This disjointed approach created significant barriers for facilities professionals seeking opportunities in other districts, as they were required to take new civil service exams with each move, regardless of their experience and qualifications.
NYSSFA initially pursued codification of the profession in NYS Education Law, similar to the established framework for superintendents and business officials. When this approach encountered obstacles, NYSSFA strategically pivoted toward collaborating with the State Civil Service to develop a standardized examination system.
Through persistent advocacy spanning several years, NYSSFA successfully championed two milestone pieces of legislation:
- Chapter 403 of the Laws of 2011
- Chapter 299 of the Laws of 2014 (chapter amendment)
These laws established comprehensive qualifications for a three-tiered professional framework (Directors of Facilities I, II, and III) and mandated a single statewide examination system aligned with the responsibilities of each tier.
The reformed system delivered several key improvements:
- Created statewide standardization of professional qualifications
- Enabled qualified professionals to pursue opportunities across district boundaries
- Provided school districts access to a broader pool of candidates
- Established recognition of facilities management as a true profession requiring specific expertise
- Aligned qualifications and competency standards with actual job responsibilities
An Ongoing Commitment
While the reformed system represents significant progress, some school leaders face challenges in meeting the demand for qualified facilities directors.
NYSSFA remains dedicated to working collaboratively with educational partners and the NYS Department of Civil Service to support the process, and provide our greater community education and training for the many talented professionals in our school districts. NYSSFA plays a unique role in its work to elevate the profession and ensure excellence in school facilities management throughout New York State.
