FY26 A.I. Facilities in Focus
Facilities in Focus: Planning Projects and Preventive Maintenance
Effective facilities management is critical to supporting safe, efficient, and financially sustainable school operations. This session is designed for school business administrators, facilities directors, and district leaders responsible for long-term capital planning and day-to-day maintenance oversight. Participants will explore strategies for prioritizing projects and implementing preventive maintenance programs that extend asset life and reduce costly emergency repairs. The session will also address communication strategies that support transparency with school committees and the community.
Kenneth Wertz
Executive Director
National School Plant Management Association (NSPMA)
Ken Wertz is the Executive Director for the National School Plant Management Association (NSPMA). Through the sharing of knowledge and resources, members are able to improve the performance and extend the life of our public facilities. Members take great pride in providing a safe, healthy, and sustainable learning environment for the staff and students who use the buildings that we maintain.
Ken is a nationally recognized presenter while also serves and supports the following groups:
- - Member of the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Designer Selection Panel
- - Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Reopening Site Support Team
- - MAZE (Massachusetts Achieving Zero Energy)
Prior to coming on board as the E.D. for the NSPMA, Ken served as the Executive Director for the Massachusetts Facilities Administrators Association (MFAA) and Director of Maintenance and Operations for the Sharon Public Schools in Sharon, MA for 18 years. He has worked in construction and maintenance roles throughout his professional career, in both the private and public sectors as a licensed plumber, licensed construction supervisor, and as the Director of Maintenance.
Susan Bottan (Moderator)
Director of Finance and Operations
Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District
Susan Bottan returned to Wayland Public Schools in July, 2023 to begin her 8th year as the Director of Finance and Operations for the Wayland Public Schools following a 2-year engagement as Director of Finance and Operations for the Reading Public Schools. Susan began her School Business Official career in 1998 following 16 years working in the roles of manufacturing analyst and marketing and development director for private and public corporations. Susan began her career as a public school official in 1998 for Lexington Public Schools. Over the years, Susan has been privileged to also serve within the Lincoln and Marlborough Public Schools. Susan is the current Vice President of MASBO. Susan has earned undergraduate degrees in education and early childhood development from Lesley University, MS in child development and child care studies from Boston University (Wheelock College), and MBA from Simmons University.