Following new legislation, Life Safety Bonds may be more accessible for your district. Presenters will share their knowledge about Health & Life Safety, including the approval process for Life Safety projects and related financing strategies.

PDC: Planning and Construction
Speakers: 
Alison Andrews Principal and Educational Planner, Wold Architects & Engineers
Tammie Beckwith Schallmo Senior VP/Managing Director, PMA Securities, LLC
Blaine Sears, CPMM Dir./Facilities, Lake Villa CCSD 41
Sean Smith, CPMM, CPS Dir./Buildings & Grounds, Gurnee SD 56

Join this session to discuss what maintenance systems should be in place, how often these tasks should be completed and the benefits of an effective preventive maintenance program. Learn about cost savings, planned maintenance vs. reactive maintenance and more.

PDC: Maintenance and Operations 
Speakers:
Eric Jonasson, CPMM, CPS Director of Facilities, Lincolnshire Prairieview SD 103
Jose Medina Director of Buildings and Grounds, Beach Park CCSD 3

The "lowest responsible bidder" does not always end up being the best suited to complete your project when quality and time are sacrificed. This panel, including a facilities director, architect, construction manager and lawyer, shares their expertise and tools for navigating issues of under-performance from contractors.

PDC: Planning and Construction
Speakers: 
Alison Andrews Principal and Educational Planner, Wold Architects & Engineers
Ken Florey Partner, Robbins Schwartz
Jason Wasser Project Manager, International Contractors, Inc.

Examine 10 green power initiatives that have built-in resources and support to achieve more sustainable operations in your district. Learn new tactics you can implement in your district with limited cost and investment that have lasting impact. Grants, partnerships, and resources are available to help you grow and achieve the best results possible.

PDC: Sustainability and Environmental Health 
Speakers: 
Lyle Erstad Dir./Facilities, Lake Zurich CUSD 95
Stuart Brodsky, AIA, LEED AP Principal, PK-12 Education, Wight & Company
Calvin Cornish, Jr. Sr. Account Executive, Johnson Controls, Inc.

Join us for a a discussion of the different mechanical systems at play in our schools. Explore plans and best practices related to replacement or refurbishment of these critical systems to keep things running smoothly.

PDC: Maintenance and Operations 
Speakers: 
Eric Jonasson, CPMM, CPS Director of Facilities, Lincolnshire Prairieview SD 103
Matt Verdun Associate, Wold Architects & Engineers

This session provides an in-depth review of common oversights on school campuses that can lead to accidents and liability issues. Participants will explore real-world examples of risks, analyze the potential impact of these hazards, and learn practical strategies to mitigate them.

PDC: Risk Management
Speaker: 
Michael McHugh Area Senior Executive Vice President, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Join us to explore the differences of artificial turf and natural grass in terms of performance, durability and environmental benefits. The session will focus on better understanding the differences as well as which option better matches your district's needs and how to properly maintain and protect your investment. 

PDC: Maintenance and Operations 
Speakers: 
Julio Lopez District Grounds Mgr., Glenbard Twp. HSD 87
Brian Smykowski Regionals Sales Manager, Siemens FieldTurf

Discuss the principles and processes to consistently complete critical summer capital improvement projects. Embrace fun chaos, time clock management, over communication, being a knowledge ninja and learning from your mistakes to have success over summer.

PDC: Planning and Construction
Speakers: 
Vien-Phong Trinh Principal, ARCON Associates, Inc.
Jolene Linneman Construction Project Coordinator, School District U-46
Jason Wasser Project Manager, International Contractors, Inc.

This session highlights the critical importance of custodial services in maintaining a clean, safe and efficient learning environment. Explore how custodial staff directly impact student health, safety and success, while contributing to the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of school facilities. From routine maintenance to emergency response, custodians are vital to the overall functioning of the school district.

PDC: Maintenance and Operations 
Speakers: 
Cheryl Roy, CPMM, CPS Manager/Facility Operations, Lemont HSD 210
Joshua Arnold Supr./Buildings & Grounds, Twp. High Sch. Dist. 214 
Gordon Buntrock National Director of Service Delivery - Janitorial, ABM

This session will explore how new legislation can provide school districts with opportunities to address critical health and life safety needs through innovative funding strategies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage these legislative changes to identify and meet pressing safety requirements, while utilizing new revenue sources to expand PTELL capacity.

PDC: Public Policy Advocacy & Intergovernmental Relations 
Speakers:
Tammie Beckwith Schallmo Senior VP/Managing Director, PMA Securities, LLC
Kyle Harding Partner, Chapman and Cutler LLP
Robert Vail Senior Vice President, Bernardi Securities Inc.

In school operations, one must be a leader in time management, forecasting and the execution of key projects. This session will provide strategies to mitigate risks throughout the facilities operations and maintenance planning processes.

PDC: Leadership
Speaker:
Joseph Rojek, Ed.D. Asst. Supt./Finance, Argo CHSD 217

Facility directors shape safe, inclusive environments, but true inclusivity goes beyond physical spaces. This session covers the essentials of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, including real-life scenarios and practical steps for facility leaders to foster belonging and support all students and staff. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your office and your school.

PDC: DEI
Speakers:
Ann Williams, Ed.D., SFO Deputy Superintendent, School District U-46
Sheila Downs Principal Consultant, Vegitation Professional Services

Achieving successful designs for major capital project renovations requires input from the facility and faculty members utilizing these spaces every day. Fear of the unknown or past experiences can undermine those efforts. This session will discuss how to effectively navigate emotions to build trust and achieve buy-in from key stakeholders.

PDC: Planning and Construction
Speakers: 
Richard Young Associate Principal, Perkins+Will
Daniel Mortensen, CPMM Director of Facilities, Lake Forest SD 67 & 115
John Jewell Architect, Perkins+Will

Review important lessons learned from implementing sustainability-themed construction projects. Example projects include solar, EV charging and all-electric heating and cooling systems. Attendees will get real-world case studies from completed projects to help avoid making the same mistakes in their own districts.

PDC: Sustainability and Environmental Health 
Speakers: 
Mark Payton, CPMM Dir./Buildings & Grounds, Kaneland CUSD 302 
Aaron Raftery Solar & Efficiency Advisor, Nania Energy Inc.
Ronald Richardson, AIA, REFP Vice President, FGM Architects
Daniel Whisler, CPMM, CPS Dir./Maintenance & Grounds, River Trails SD 26