Facilities Operations Program


Facility Management has changed dramatically over the years to include a wide range of responsibilities – from custodial, maintenance and grounds to legal issues, long-range planning, emergency management and much more. The Facilities Operations Program provides a consistent standard for the development of high quality school facilities professionals. The knowledge base lays the groundwork of what a facility professional needs to know to succeed in their chosen field.

Facilities Operations Program

A Flexible Program to Meet Your Needs

Using the Good School Maintenance* manual as the core curriculum, the Facilities Operations Program is divided into four courses:
  • Base Course: Essentials of Facilities Management
  • Elective Course: Essentials of Maintenance Operations
  • Elective Course: Essentials of Grounds Operations
  • Elective Course: Essentials of Custodial Operations

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Program Options

Option 1: Take all Four Courses to Complete the Program

Taking all four courses ensures that you have the knowledge base school districts are looking for from their facilities managers. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate and be recognized at the Illinois ASBO Facilities Professionals Conference.

Option 2: Specialize in Custodial, Maintenance or Grounds

Want to improve your skills in a specialized area?  Come for a full-day seminar in your area of responsibility and take advantage of hands-on instruction and networking with other facilities professionals.

Already completed the program?

Share this valuable experience with someone else on your team! Set a consistent standard for your department based on industry best practices

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Course Offerings

FOP-Facilities

Essentials of Facilities Management

Managing school facilities requires a specific knowledge base that isn’t taught elsewhere. Explore school-specific topics including accounting and funding sources, required training for facilities staff and inspections to be done in-house, outsourced or by the government. Learn management skills that cover legislation, evaluations, hiring, leadership styles and discipline.

Fall 2019 Class dates coming soon

FOP-Grounds

Essentials of Grounds Operations

Effective grounds management requires organization, balancing demands, overcoming obstacles and encouraging growth within your team. Get insights into these challenges, then learn about key topics including tree and shrub care, building and maintaining a lawn and caring for bituminous paving.

Spring 2020 DATES COMING SOON

FOP-Maintenance

Essentials of Maintenance Operations

Get an overview of maintenance operations including maintaining interior and exterior surfaces and systems, roof care, HVAC, electrical, electronic and low voltage systems, sanitary and sewage. Each lesson throughout the day will focus in on one of these areas and provide best practices.

Fall 2019 Class dates coming soon

FOP-Custodial

Essentials of Custodial Operations

Get insights on how to organize your custodial operations, then dive into the specifics of each topic area. Learn about area cleaning programs for specific rooms within the school building and the procedures and services required inside and outside the facility. Review equipment and supplies needed for your operation and maintenance considerations for synthetic countertops and tabletops.

Register for the FEBRUARY 27, 2019 class

An Illinois ASBO Facilities Designation Membership Could Save You Money!


If you attend at least three Illinois ASBO seminars or conferences in a given year, becoming an Illinois ASBO Facilities Designation Member
will save your district money through the discounts you receive on professional development! Plus, you will have access to many other great membership benefits.

Learn More about membership