The Virginia Educational Facility Planners (VEFP) is the state chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International (CEFPI), a professional association whose sole mission is improving the places where children learn. CEFPI members — individuals, institutions and corporations — are actively involved in planning, designing, building, equipping and maintaining schools and colleges. Learn more about the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International on-line.
A Message from the President
Duane M. Harver
It is indeed a great honor and privilege to serve as the President of the Virginia Chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International for the 2013-14 year. I am proud to have been a part of our accomplishments this past year and excited about what the year ahead will bring. The Virginia Chapter of CEFPI continues to distinguish itself as one of the strongest chapters regionally and nationally due to its dedicated Board of Directors, active membership, generous sponsors, and commitment to its mission statement—To promote creative and responsible planning of school facilities, to foster professional development, and to exchange best practice knowledge of Virginia school facilities in order to provide the best possible learning environment for all students.
The past year has been hugely successful for the organization. During our mid-year conference at Virginia Beach City Public School’s Renaissance Academy, attendees learned about sustainable practices at schools in Fairfax County, Virginia Beach City and Montgomery County, Maryland. Panelists reviewed Environmental Stewardship, Operations and Maintenance/Energy Conservation and Curriculum Integration. At our annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Richmond, nearly 180 attendees were treated to a broad range of speakers and topics, including a dynamic pre-conference workshop on School Security. General Sessions included thought-provoking messages, national perspectives on STEM and CTE and a timely presentation entitled “Earth, Wind and Fire”—an informative presentation on preparing for and mitigating school disasters. A lively reception and banquet at the Bull and Bear Restaurant and a tour of the State Capitol were two additional conference highlights.
Much of our success this year can be attributed to the generosity of our sponsors. Our conference speakers and events, the 19 scholarships provided to school personnel and the awards to our student design competition winners from Virginia Tech are among the many expenses covered by these funds. Our sponsors will continue to be important to our success in accomplishing the Board’s goals and objectives for 2013-14, which include:
- Maintain a strong Mid-Year and Annual Conference program
- Encourage greater involvement with school representatives in the organization
- Improve the web site and keep the information current throughout the year
- Maintain fiscal responsibility
- Encourage the entire membership to participate in Board activities for conference planning and other activities
- Encourage membership in CEFPI
We are eager to begin planning another great year and welcome your suggestions as we move forward. Our schools face great challenges, but with the help of your creative thoughts and ideas, we can meet these challenges with great optimism and resolve. Please feel free to let us hear from you!
Sincerely,
Duane M. Harver, President
Virginia Chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International