Learning

Beyond the Pail Webinar Series

Free Webinars Focused on School Facilities

This informative monthly webinar series focuses on the issues surrounding school facilities. These monthly 45-minute virtual meetings are free to all WASBO members and guests. This will be recurring every other month at 8:30 AM. Jump on the call, listen, learn, and feel free to ask a question. This webinar series is hosted by Facilities Committee Co-Chair Joe Ledvina (of the School District of La Crosse), Midwest Facility Masters Committee Co-Chair Jeremiah Johnson (of the Muskego-Norway School District), WASBO Executive Director Mike Barry, and potential special guests! This webinar is available at no charge for all, so please share it with your Superintendent, colleagues, and anyone else you feel could benefit from a better understanding of Wisconsin's school facilities! Even if the time doesn't work for your schedule, be sure to register so you can access the recording. This bi-monthly webinar series will cover a variety of facilities topics similar to Money Talks.

 

Upcoming Webinars

June 11, 2026: Climate Action Plan & Information on Solar Energy

REGISTER NOW

Upcoming Webinars

  • More Coming VERY SOON!

Who Should Attend

  • Current and Future Facility Leaders
  • Those in the Business Office
  • Superintendents
  • Everyone else!

Recent Webinar Resources

 

Climate Action Plans & Solar Energy | June 11, 2026 | Webinar Recording

Powerpoint Slides | La Crosse School District Climate Action Plan

Past Webinar Resources

  • Landscaping | April 9, 2026
    • Webinar Recording
    • Webinar Highlights
      • The Power of Curb Appeal
      • Creative Staffing & Maintenance
      • Smart Plant Design
      • Mulch and Winter Planning
      • Tree Care and Weed Control
  • Navigating Facility Use | March 12, 2026
  • Specialty Spaces | February 12, 2026
  • Disaster Restoration | January 8, 2026
  • AI for Facilities | December 4, 2025
  • Staffing your facility teams | November 13, 2025
  • Construction Management | October 16, 2025
    • Guest Speaker: Michael Hacker
    • Resources:
    • Description:
      • The October 2025 edition of WASBO's Facilities and Operations webinar, Beyond the Pail, explored major project delivery methods and strategies for effectively managing large-scale school facility projects. Presenters Mike Barry, Joe Ledvina, and Jeremiah Johnson shared firsthand experiences from projects ranging from a $42 million new elementary school to an $11 million addition, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned throughout the process. Industry guest Mike Hacker of Cadence Consulting provided insight into the roles of owner’s representatives and construction managers, emphasizing their importance in mitigating risk and maintaining budgets. The discussion covered the value of maintaining a district-wide master plan, incorporating bid alternates to control costs, and allocating 5–7% contingency funds for unexpected expenses. Presenters also underscored the need for clear, well-written contracts, proactive risk management, and strong relationships between districts and contractors. Additional topics included long-range facility planning, declining enrollment impacts, facility studies, and the importance of engaging facility managers early and consistently in projects. The webinar concluded with a reminder that next month’s session will address cleaning staffing, hours, and checklists, continuing the focus on practical, operations-centered facility management.
  • Office of School Safety | September 25, 2025
  • Maintenance of Athletic Fields, Turf & Tennis Courts | May 8, 2025
  • Get Off Your Asphalt • March 13, 2025
  • Sustainability • January 9, 2025
  •  Preparing Schools for Winter • November 14, 2024
  • Planning for Capital Improvements • September 12, 2024