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Schedule, Session Descriptions & Presenter Information


Southern CA Facilities Workshop 2025


Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Marlborough School

250 S Rossmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

To accommodate SoCal members that were unable to attend the Facilities Workshop in Northern CA in May, our workshop planning group has planned a similar iteration of that program in Los Angeles. Plan your time during the workshop using the schedule and descriptions below.

Schedule and Session Descriptions

2025 SoCal Facilities Workshop Wednesday, June 18, 2025

9:00am – 9:30am

Registration

9:30am – 10:00am

Welcome & Introductions

10:00am - 11:00am

General Session One

Communication Strategies for CFOs and Facilities Directors

Joe Rayburn, Director of Partner Development, Building Solutions, Shayne Hale, Director of Facilities, Harker 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

Effective Construction Contracting: Strategies for Success and Sustainability

Heather DeBlanc, Partner, LCW and Christopher Fallon, Partner, LCW


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.

    12:30pm - 1:30pm

    Lunch

    1:30pm - 2:30pm


    General Session Three

    ListServ Live! Facilities Edition

    Matt Riddle, Director of Facilities and Capital Planning, Marlborough School and Pamela Hopson, Director of Operations, Campbell Hall


    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. 

    2:30pm - 3:00pm

    Break & Networking

    3:00pm - 4:15pm


    General Session Four & Closing Remarks

    DreamsScape: Designing Outdoor Learning Spaces

    James Hiestand, Owner, DreamsScape



    Presenter Information

    Christopher Fallon, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

    Christopher represents schools, community college districts, special districts, independent schools, and nonprofits, focusing on business and facilities matters. He handles vendor and construction contracts, property issues, and business operations. A LEED Green Associate, he is accredited in green building practices and regulatory requirements. Christopher assists clients with business transactions, contract negotiation, and property matters, including vendor, lease, and employment agreements. He has extensive experience in construction issues, advising on contractor, architect, and management agreements. He also supports clients in licensing and operating preschool programs, transitional kindergarten, and appeals related to licensing reports and penalties.

    Joe Rayburn, Director of Partner Development, Building Solutions


    Joe Rayburn, Director of Partner Development at Building Solutions, is responsible for new sales and business development. He brings over 20 years of sales and business development experience in the A/E/C industry. Having come from a consultative background, he is well-versed in the many facets of delivering complex projects and effectively communicating those solutions to clients. Joe has spoken to varying groups including PAISBOA, Cal-ISBOA, MISBO, TCSA, and NBOA.

    Heather DeBlanc, Partner,

    Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

    Heather DeBlanc is the Chair of the firm’s Business and Facilities Practice Group. She practices education, construction, business, contract, and employment law (with an emphasis in benefits), representing both nonprofit and public entity clients. Heather has been practicing construction law for over 20 years, advising clients as to appropriate project delivery methods, contracting, the construction process, and construction disputes. Heather assists project owners in developing and negotiating design professional agreements and construction contract documents. She is adept at identifying and minimizing risk in construction contracts because of her familiarity with the construction process.


    Matt Riddle, Director of Facilities and Capital Planning, Marlborough School


    Pamela Hopson, Director of Operations, 
    Campbell Hall


    James Hiestand, Owner,

    DreamsScape




    Shayne Hale, Director of Facilities,

    The Harker School



    Shayne Hale, Director of Facilities for The Harker School located in the San Jose, CA, oversees 4 school campuses and various other properties held by the school.

    Shayne has over 20 years of experience managing school facilities in the public and private sector including numerous K-12 schools, districts, community college sites, and private schools in San Jose, San Francisco, and Stockton. Shayne is also a Cal-ISBOA board member serving on the facilities outreach committee.

    Jared Mata, Director of Facilities, St. Andrew's Episcopal School


    HR Certification Institute’s® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that Cal-ISBOA meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.



    Cal-ISBOA is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit shrmcertification.org

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