The Spring 2012 edition of The MSPMA Manager magazine, with a preview of the upcoming conference!  View it by clicking here.

Many of our vendors have expressed a desire to support our MSPMA Scholarship Fund.  If you or your company would like to participate in this great opportunity, please click here to view further information!

To view the Administrative Memo, which includes the schedule of the workshops, click here.

To view the pre-enrollment form, please click here.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Children’s Health Protection announces the following Request for Applications (RFA):

Building Capacity to Implement EPA Voluntary Guidelines for K-12 State, Tribal and Territorial School Environmental Health Programs. 

EPA’s Draft Guidelines provide the focus for activities that will be funded under this RFA opportunity.  EPA’s K-12 school environmental health program guidelines are intended to provide a framework through which states, tribes, and territories can establish policies and programs that address the full range of environmental health issues in K-12 school settings.

http://www.epa.gov/schools/ehguidelines/downloads/RFA%20Schools%20EH%20Guidelines.pdf 

State K-12 School Environmental Health Program Guidelines for States, Tribes, and Territories Fact Sheet (pdf)

This fact sheet gives an overview of the State K-12 School Environmental Health Program Guidelines for States, Tribes, and Territories; the model K-12 School Environmental Health Program for schools and school districts; and the details concerning the public comment period for the guidelines and the model program.  Please consider reviewing and commenting on the guidelines.

EPA launches an online Childcare Resource Directory: http://epa.gov/childcare/

EPA's voluntary school siting guidelines can help local school districts (local education agencies or LEAs) and community members evaluate environmental factors to make the best possible school siting decisions.  This website includes an overview for the guidelines, as well as links to resources and additional information.
http://www.epa.gov/schools/siting/ 

View the Office of Children's Health Program's School Siting Webinar: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/OCHP_Webinar_transcript.htm 

Sign up for EPA's Children's Health Listserv by sending an email to: coopwood.theodore@epa.gov and place the words -  "Sign Up for the Children's Environmental Health Listserv" in the subject line.

Ted Barklage with New System has been working with the Gateway Chapter of the US Green Building Council to try to get the state of Missouri to change to Green Cleaning in Schools for the health and well-being of the students, administrators, staff, and visitors that frequent our public schools. To see a copy of the bill, click here.

As you know, we already have Green “Guidelines” in place.  This bill simply changes them from “may” to “shall.”  Please contact your state representatives and senators regarding passing this bill.

*Several state and national associations are joining in the efforts to get this bill passed in Missouri.  Ten other states have already passed similar legislation.*

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Energy, is extending their application period for the Energize Missouri Schools and Local Government energy loan program.  Funds are still available and they will accept applications until remaining funds are awarded. Please follow the link below to the website that includes forms and guidelines. 

http://dnr.mo.gov/transform/schools-government.htm

If you have any questions regarding this, please contact:
David Harrison
Schools and Local Governments, MDNR
PO Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
Phone: 573-751-7057
Fax: 573-751-6860

Click here to view the latest edition of The MSPMA Manager!

Click here for the latest webcast series from K-12 Masters.com!

The 22nd Annual MSPMA Conference Vendor Application is now available!  Download it here and send it in today!

In hard economic times many people think of ways to reduce/eliminate cost.  Sometimes we discover that we have reduced/eliminated to the point that there is nothing else to reduce/eliminate.  School administrators are no exception and are faced with 'thinking outside box' to generate extra revenue that is being missed from various sources.    Some discussion is surfacing about allowing vendor(s) to advertise their services/product in/on public school property.  Some recent examples:  An insurance company was allowed to not only purchase a front illuminated sign but to allow the company name on the sign and pay a monthly 'advertising fee.'  In another reported case the same situation for the score board in a high school gym.  Perhaps to take the issue even further - why not decal(s) on floor (like in supermarket) or advertising on soap/hand towel dispensers?  

*  Has your school considered allowing the acceptance of receiving monies from vendors for advertising within/outside your school district?
*  If your school district is currently allowing advertising within your school district - how are you displaying the advertisement? 
*  If your school district is currently allowing advertising within your school district - how did you determine agreeable compensation from vendor?
*  If your School District has allowed the advertising of products/services in/on school property, have you encountered any problems from allowing the advertising to occur?  Either from the advertising itself or from the community?

To respond to this survey, post your answers on our Facebook page!  Click here, "Like" us (if you haven't already) and respond!  Your feedback is appreciated!

The Missouri School Plant Managers Association, MSPMA, chartered in 1991, was formed in the interest of enhancing and promoting the educational process.  Its   purpose is to provide for the exchange of information that will improve school plant  management, maintenance and care through promotion of acceptable policies, standards and practices; and to promote the professional advancement of school plant management personnel.  Membership includes school superintendents, maintenance personnel, custodial supervisors, and others employed in school operations from public and private schools, and universities and colleges across the state.

Governed by a board of directors, MSPMA hosts an annual convention each fall to further educational enhancement.  The convention is a professional development opportunity for participants allowing them to:

See the latest equipment and materials.

Discuss common concerns with a select group of professional peers from across the country.

Receive the latest professional information on issues of vital importance.

Improve the effectiveness of day-to-day operations.

Enjoy both formal and social opportunities to network with other professionals who share common goals.
MSMPA committees are exploring new avenues to expand our resources, to ensure our members are kept appraised of changes in state and federal legislation regarding education and educational facilities, to certify school managers of maintenance and operations and to create a state clearing house for employment opportunities.  Our goal is to become the organization that legislative leaders look to when writing legislation.

MSPMA is a growing organization with the objective of assisting school plant managers, and through them, the children of this great state.