Successful Administration of School Construction Projects
A powerful professional workshop and unique learning opportunity that guides participants through the knowledge, strategies, and attitude needed for successful school construction projects.
Schedule, Registration, and Payment [HERE]
Two 3-hour sessions via ZOOM
Notes
1: Full day workshop.
Audience
For Superintendents, Board Members, Assistant Superintendents, School Business Officials, other members of the district’s school construction team, and Aspiring Superintendents
Why This Workshop is Important
Similar to taking on construction in your own home, the school capital construction experience is a major but often infrequent event in the life cycle of a school district (and community). This workshop will give practical advice and suggestions for planning, developing, and successfully implementing multi-year capital construction projects. Participants will learn the life cycle of construction projects (Pre-Project Considerations, Design, Bidding, Construction Administration, Occupancy), the roles and responsibilities of each of the professional parties, and special issues involved in the process (i.e. contracts, financing, capital project budget, insurance). Materials will be practical and useful. We will discuss the communication strategies used to involve and inform students, staff, and the community. Time will be given throughout the presentation to ask questions and discuss potential challenges that may arise at any stage of the process.
Workshop Topics
Pre-Referendum/Program Development/Communication Plan
• Long Range Planning
• Facilities Committtee(s) – Role of Board, Staff, Community
• Educational Needs
• Student Enrollment Projections
• Existing Facilities Evaluation
(Building Condition Survey, Instructional Space Review, Site)
• Technology Audit
• Proposed Scope of Work
• Preliminary Construction Schedule/Phasing
• SEQRA/SHPO Review
• Financial Plan (Cost Estimates, Net Local Cost, Use of Reserves, Debt Service Projections)
• Selection of an Architect/Approval of Contract
• Selection of a Construction Management Firm/Approval of Contract
• Professional Team – Role and Responsibilities
(District/Architect/Construction Manager/Bond Counsel/Attorney/Financial Advisor)
• Preliminary Submission to SED
• Board Approval/Vote Authorization/Exit Survey
Pre-Construction
• Schematic Design & Cost Estimates
• Design Development & Cost Estimates
• Construction Documents & Cost Estimates
• Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)
• Preliminary Construction Schedule
• Value Engineering
• Submission to SED
• SED Review and Approval
Bidding
• Advertisement
• Award Recommendations
• Preparation of Contracts
• Groundbreaking Ceremony
Construction Administration
• Construction Manager
• Owner Meetings/Contractor Meetings
• Change Order Process
• Monthly Financial Review/Schedule
• Construction Contingency
• Punch list/Contractual Closeout
• Certificate of Occupancy
Occupancy
• Celebration Ceremony
• Training
• Evaluation
Faculty
____________________, Superintendent of Schools (retired)
Workshop Administrator
James M. Merrins, Ed.D., Executive Program Administrator
Dr. Merrins is Executive Program Administrator of the Educational Leadership Institute. He administers the statewide Transition to Superintendency Program, and numerous fiscal workshops for superintendents and senior school administrators, including Fiscal Navigation for Superintendents, The School District Negotiator, Claims Auditor Training, Successful Administration of School Construction Projects, and the School Business Officials Training and Support Program. Jim has more than fourty years experience in school administration, including sixteen years as a Superintendent of Schools, in Fredonia and Honeoye, New York. Dr. Merrins is NYS certified as a School Business Administrator. During his career as superintendent he has administered eight school construction projects. Dr. Merrins taught school finance and school law at SUNY colleges for several years.
Costs
The cost of the workshop is $275 for the first participant, plus $250 for the second participant, plus $195 for the third and subsequent participants from the same school district.
Materials
Each workshop participant will receive workshop-related materials.
Hosted and administered by ESS
James M. Merrins, Ed.D., Executive Program Administrator
ESS Policies, Terms, and Conditions [HERE]
Method of Payment Information
Registration Information
Cancellation Policy
Contact James Merrins, Ed.D.
Comments, corrections, source documents, and questions welcome
Educational Support Services
42 Rosalyn Court, Fredonia, New York 14063
(716) 672-5473, FAX (716) 672-5472, jmerrins@cecomet.net