b'Note from the Missouri SchoolPlant Managers Association PresidentA s President of the Missourifacilities directors face in todays rapidlyhealth and safety measures, including School Plant Managerschanging educational environment. updated ventilation systems, sanitation Association (MSPMA), itI would like to take this opportunityprotocols, and space reconfigurations is an honor to connect withto thank each of our current membersto accommodate shifting educational you, our valued members, andfor their continued dedication to themodels. Many districts are also facing share a brief reflection on where weveprofession and their contributions torising construction and maintenance been and where were headed as anour association. Your commitmentcosts, adding to the financial strain of organization. MSPMA was foundedensures the success of our organization,maintaining aging infrastructure. As in 1993 by a group of dedicatedand together, we make a powerfulwe look ahead, the political climate professionals who recognized theimpact on the maintenance, safety,surrounding education continues to critical role school facilities play inand sustainability of Missourischange rapidly, adding another layer of providing safe, effective learningschool facilities. Whether throughcomplexity as facilities directors must environments for Missouri students. sharing insights, attending events, orwork within fluctuating budgets and Our organization was created toparticipating in the learning workshops,regulatory environments.support the unique needs of schoolyour involvement strengthens theThrough all of these challenges, plant managers and facilities directorsMSPMA and the school communitiesthe MSPMA remains committed throughout Missouri, offeringwe serve. to supporting you, our members, in resources, networking opportunities,However, we recognize that manyovercoming the obstacles you face. and a unified voice on issues that impactdistricts across the state still face theWe stand together, sharing expertise, our profession. challenges of managing their schoolsolutions, and encouragement to ensure Over the years, the MSPMAfacilities without the support of anthat our schools remain safe, efficient, has grown from a small group ofMSPMA membership. If you areand conducive to learning.school facility leaders to a statewidereading this and have not yet joined ourOnce again, thank you to all of our association, with members representingassociation, I encourage you to considermembers for your continued support and districts of all sizesfrom small ruralbecoming a member. By doing so, youdedication to this vital profession. And communities to large urban centers.gain access to a wealth of resourcesto those considering joining us, we invite Our membership has expanded asdesigned to make your work easier, moreyou to be a part of a growing, influential school plant management has becomeeffective, and more impactful. Fromorganization that is making a difference more complex, and our membersconnecting with peers who understandacross Missouris school districts.roles have evolved. Today, we providethe unique challenges of our profession to our members with a wide range ofgaining the latest updates on regulationsSincerely, professional development opportunities,and innovations in school facilities including conferences, training sessions,management, membership provides an and workshops that focus on topicsinvaluable return on investment.such as safety standards, maintenanceThe role of a school district facilities best practices, capital improvementdirector has always been demanding, budgeting and facility managementbut it has become even more challengingJeff Rookstechnologies. Our network allows forin recent years. In the aftermath of thePresident the exchange of ideas and strategiesCOVID-19 pandemic, school facilitiesMissouri School Plant Managers Associationto meet the challenges that schooldirectors are navigating complex MSPMA School Plant Manager COLIBRI NorthwestPUBLISHERADVERTISING SALES is published by PO Box 13130Peter PhilipsKatie HigginsCOLIBRI Northwest Des Moines, WA 981981003 206-779-2746206-914-4248 for MSPMA. peter@colibrinw.com katie@colibrinw.com4|SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE|SPRING 2025'