OasisLMS

School construction in New York State occurs within a highly regulated environment where student and community safety, learning continuity, and public accountability are central responsibilities. This session examines how architects, facilities leaders, and construction managers work together to deliver building projects that comply with NYSED requirements, the Manual of Planning Standards, the Safe Schools by Design Act, and local district priorities—while schools remain open and fully operational.

Participants will learn how regulatory frameworks shape project timelines, sequencing, and coordination—and how proactive communication with NYSED reviewers, school boards, and community stakeholders supports transparency and trust. The session will also focus on the unique challenges of renovating or expanding occupied school campuses, where construction phasing, site security, circulation routing, noise management, air quality control, contractor access, and emergency planning must be coordinated to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and visitors.

Through the perspectives of a construction manager, a district facilities director, and a practicing architect who collaborates directly with NYSED, participants will gain a practical roadmap for moving projects from concept to ribbon-cutting without disrupting the learning mission at the heart of every school.

1. Interpret how New York State Education Department regulations and planning standards shape K–12 school construction timelines, documentation requirements, and design decisions that safeguard health, safety, and learning continuity.
2. Coordinate communication among project stakeholders—including school boards, administrators, NYSED officials, and community members—to ensure clarity, transparency, and shared ownership throughout the project lifecycle.
3. Develop construction phasing and scheduling strategies that minimize disruption to educational operations, manage environmental and noise control, and safely separate construction activity from active learning spaces.
4. Implement site access, contractor management, and circulation protocols to ensure the physical safety of students, staff, and visitors throughout construction and renovation activities on occupied campuses.
5. Apply best practices for documentation, change tracking, and closeout procedures to support accurate final cost reporting, regulatory compliance, and smooth transition into occupancy.

	Kirk Narburgh, FAIA CEO/Managing Partner, King + King Architects, LLP Speaker bio
	Amanda Thomas, RA Associate Principal, King + King Architects, LLP Speaker bio
	Matt Erwin, ALEP Director of Facilities III, North Syracuse CSD Speaker bio
	Todd LaBarr Union Electrical/Construction Manager, Watchdog Building Partners, LLC Speaker bio