b'Rising Together: How MSPMAs Core Certification is Shaping the Future of School Facility LeadershipBy Joshua Peach, Public K12 Facilities Expert & ColumnistT he Missouri School PlantThis commitment to professionalSteffen Wiest delivered deeply relevant Managers Association (MSPMA)growth was on display at the Januarysessions tailored to the day-to-day Core Certification continues15, 2026, Core Certification trainingchallenges MSPMA members face. to be a gamechanger for schoolevent in St. Charles, where more thanDrawing on their own experience facility professionals across80 facility professionals gathered forleading school facility operations, the state. Designed as an 8-modulea full day of insight, inspiration, andthey spoke to issues such as asset certification pathway, the programpractical learning. The program featuredmanagement, workflow optimization, equips facility leaders with the technicalsessions by renowned author and publicand cultivating strong relationships skills, strategic insight, and operationalspeaker Patty Corum, and myself, whowith district stakeholders. Feedback tools needed to excel in todays complexbrought our expertise in leadership,from attendees underscored the value of educational environments. communication, and workplace culturehearing from peers whose successes and From custodial operations andto the MSPMA audience. Their sessionschallenges reflect their own.building systems to leadership andwere crafted not only to motivate,The turnout in St. Charlesover budgeting, each module delves intobut also to give attendees actionable80 members strongreflects the essential aspects of facility management, helping professionals sharpen their skills, enhance safety, and elevate district operations. To earn the CoreAttendance has steadily increased as the curriculum Certification, participants mustexpands and draws a broader roster of speakers and complete at least 7 modules at their own pace, maintain MSPMA membership,subject matter experts. For many participants, events and then celebrate their success at the annual fall conference in Branson, MO. like the January gathering are not just professional At its heart, Core Certificationdevelopmenttheyre pivotal touchpoints in a career path is more than courseworkits a community-building journey. Attendeesthat blends technical mastery with leadership confidence.engage with peers from across Missouri, share real-world problem solving, and return to their districts brimminggrowing momentum behind MSPMAs with applicable knowledge. Topicsstrategies for leading teams, nurturingCore Certification programming. range from emergency managementpositive environments, and buildingAttendance has steadily increased as and environmental safety to humanresilient operations. the curriculum expands and draws a resources and life-cycle budgeting, allIn addition to these highlights,broader roster of speakers and subject grounded in the realities that facilityfacility leaders Salum Stutzer andmatter experts. For many participants, teams face every day. events like the January gathering are not just professional developmenttheyre pivotal touchpoints in a career Premier Restoration Contractorspath that blends technical mastery with leadership confidence.As facility management continues to evolve, MSPMAs Core Certification Masonry Restorationstands as a beacon for lifelong learning, professional connection, and operational Caulking and Sealantsexcellence. With plans to build even Concrete Restoration more diverse content and expand speaker lineups, this program is shaping not just careers, but the very future of facility leadership in Missouris schools.Kansas City, MO - 816-421-0909|Springeld, MO - 417-865-9991 |www.mtscontracting.com8|SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE|SPRING 2026'