Schedule & Session Descriptions

9:00am – 9:30am

Registration - Empire Foyer

9:30am – 10:00am

Welcome & Introductions - Rockridge 

10:00am - 11:00am

General Session One - Rockridge

Communication Strategies for CFOs and Facilities Directors

Joe Rayburn, Director of Partner Development, Building Solutions, Jennifer Macias, Director of Finance & Operations, Sonoma Country Day School, Sean McFarland, Facilities Manager, Sonoma Country Day School, and Jared Mata, Director of Facilities, St. Andrew's Episcopal School

In this panel driven session, we will explore strategies to enhance communication between Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Facilities Directors. Effective collaboration between these key roles is vital for successful financial planning and facilities management within any school. We will discuss practical techniques for clear and efficient communication, understanding each other's perspectives and priorities, and aligning financial goals with facility needs. Join us to learn how to foster a productive partnership between CFOs and Facilities Directors, ultimately leading to better decision-making and resource allocation. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to engage collaborative planning to ensure realistic and achievable financial goals
• Identify insights with the use of data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of facilities operations
• Recognize each other’s expertise and contributions to the school resulting in an impactful crescendo in the voice of facilities

11:00am - 11:30am

Break: Newcomer's Welcome & Networking

11:30am - 12:30pm

General Session Two - Rockridge

Effective Construction Contracting: Strategies for Success and Sustainability

Heather DeBlanc, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Christopher Fallon, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

This session will help attendees understand the essential elements of a successful construction project, including contracting with architects and contractors, managing project timelines, and maintaining budget control. Key supporting topics will cover contract negotiation strategies, cost control methods, legal and regulatory compliance, and risk management. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique challenges faced by private schools, such as balancing educational priorities with financial constraints. By the end of the session, attendees will gain the knowledge and tools to effectively manage construction projects, ensuring sustainable, high-quality outcomes with minimal disruption to school operations.

• Identify key components of successful construction contracts, including critical elements in working with architects and contractors.
• Recognize effective methods for managing project timelines and staying on budget.
• Distinguish between standard and custom contract provisions to better negotiate favorable terms.
• Illustrate how to draft contract language that addresses the unique challenges of private schools, such as balancing educational needs with financial constraints.
• Plan to include specific provisions that protect against unforeseen risks while ensuring high-quality and timely project completion that minimizes disruptions to school operations.

General Session Three - Rockridge

ListServ Live! Facilities Edition
Michael Viola, Director of Facilities and Grounds, Carondelet High School

Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from others? This interactive session is your opportunity to ask burning questions, share challenges, and hear real-time solutions from fellow school colleagues. Just like posting on a Listserv - but live and dynamic! Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights from peers who have tackled similar financial and operational challenges.
• Exchange best practices and creative solutions to common issues in independent schools.
• Expand your network and build valuable connections for ongoing collaboration.

Come ready with questions, ideas and an open mind. Whether you're troubleshooting a financial, operational or HR hurdle, navigating new regulations or refining processes, this session will provide practical, real-world takeaways to bring back to your school. 

Break & Networking - Rockridge

General Session Four - Rockridge

Leading Through Crisis and Disruption

Paul Falcone

As a team leader, you are prepared to face any challenge when it comes to the work at hand, but you may not be ready to overcome a hostile work environment, a catastrophic disruption in workflow, or any other of a multitude of challenges that can arise, seemingly from nowhere. Paul Falcone, author of 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees and HR and leadership expert will help guide you while dealing with unforeseen challenges in the workplace.

4:30pm - 5:30pm

Group Activity: Private Historical Walking Tour - Claremont Lobby SOLD OUT!

The Claremont concierge team will guide you on a Historical walking tour where you'll hear some of their favorite stories from the past, and some interesting tales along the way.

Sponsored by our Platinum Sponsor, IMA Financial

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Welcome Reception & Annual Meeting Kick-Off Dinner - Garden Room