Basics of Educational Facility Planning

Gloria Barrera, Vice President, Vanir Construction Management, Inc.
Abelardo Saavedra, Director, Vanir Construction Management, Inc.

Participants will experience an interactive presentation that takes them on a journey through all the phases of the planning process. The participants will see and evaluate examples of each of the steps of the facility planning process. The following components of the planning process will be covered: facility assessment, educational specifications, educational adequacy and equity, demographics, and stakeholder engagement and community outreach.

Using Solar to Power a Campus, Decrease Costs, and Discuss Renewable Energy

Easy Foster, Director of Planning and Construction, Conroe ISD
Mark Madorsky, President, LEAF Engineers, a PBK Company, LEAF Engineers
Brian Hood, Senior Vice President, LEAF Engineers
Cody Boyd, Senior Associate, PBK

This session highlights Stockton Junior High, one of the first solar-powered campuses in the state. Aside from the environmental benefits of using renewable energy, the solar-powered campus generates significant cost savings and provides hands-on, experiential learning experiences, engaging students in conversations around STEM, and provides insight into curriculum integration.

Leading and Building Through Partnerships

Matt Kimball, Superintendent, Blue Ridge ISD
Von Gallagher, President, Gallagher Construction Services
Jason Oswald, Principal, WRA Architects, Inc.

Using a visual presentation, video and Q&A, the presentation team will share Blue Ridge ISD’s journey from successful bond program to construction of new facilities in a 3A district. Composed of representatives from the architecture firm, construction manager and district, the team will share the valuable partnerships formed and collaborative environment created during the district’s bond and construction process.

Providing a Powerful Business Community with Options in Crowley ISD

Michael McFarland, Superintendent, Crowley ISD
Lauren Brown, Principal, VLK Architects

Hear the Crowley ISD superintendent’s position on the importance of a strong workforce, and see how housing both career and technology education pathways and an early college high school at the new Bill R. Johnson Career and Technology Center contributes to student choices that lead to community success. Workforce data in the growing Crowley area and the process of a design that would house diverse academic programs will be shared.

School Buildings Playing an Important Role in Student Physical and Mental Well-being

Craig Wilson, Director, Digital Learning, Temple ISD
Shivani Langer, Principal, Stantec
Zach Schneider, Partner/Electrical Engineer, CMTA, Inc.

Discuss ways by which schools can be designed to provide healthier environments, incorporate natural elements like Biophilic Design, and how learning can be taken outdoors to enhance mental well-being. Reduced stress levels are known to help with immunity, which is more important than ever during COVID-19.