New Mexico Facility Manager Certificate Program
Last July, Cooperative Educational Services presented its first of seven modules to train school district Maintenance staff through their New Mexico Facility Manager Certificate Program. Their purpose was to offer a program that would develop a knowledge base of school buildings and grounds maintenance in order to provide safe and healthy educational facilities for New Mexico’s students. Over the course of seven modules, all aspects of Facility Management were covered through curriculum presented by the Public School Facilities Authority, New Mexico School Plant Management Association, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, POMS & Associates and New Mexico ASBO.
NMASBO was asked to present a four-hour module on capital budgeting, operational staffing and revenue sources. Nancy Ross, a retired school business official who now does consuting for school districts around the state, developed the curriculum and presented it to a group of 65 consisting of superintendents, maintenance supervisors, head custodians and operations directors. She explained the difference between repairs and capital projects, emphasized the importance of the Facilities Master Plan, explained the significance of accurate job descriptions, and clarified funding sources such as Operational, Bond and Two Mill.
One of the most important discussions she led was the importance of a good relationship between the Maintenance Supervisor, the School Business Official and the Superintendent. Nancy’s presentation started many meaningful discussions between the attendees, allowing them to network and discuss best practices among themselves. NMASBO was honored to be a part of such a dynamic program designed to instruct those who have the critical job of maintaining the facilities in which our students are educated.
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