District Optimization: Managing School Facilities as Enrollment Shifts

Managing School Facilities as Enrollment Patterns Shift

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Across the country, many school districts are facing declining enrollment and difficult decisions about consolidating schools. As campuses close or merge, districts must determine how to manage underutilized or vacant facilities while still meeting the long-term needs of their communities. These decisions involve complex considerations around facilities planning, asset management, capital investments, and the future use of public infrastructure.

In this session, Don P. LeDuff, Chief Operating Officer for NOLA Public Schools, will discuss how the district is approaching these challenges through strategic planning and facilities optimization. Mr. LeDuff will share insights on managing large property portfolios, aligning facilities with enrollment realities, and exploring options for repurposing or reinvesting in existing school infrastructure.

FEATURED SPEAKER
Don P. LeDuff serves as Chief Operating Officer for NOLA Public Schools, where he oversees facilities, capital projects, IT, security, and operations strategy across a district portfolio of 106 properties. Under his leadership, the district secured a 20-year facilities millage renewal generating approximately $420 million to support long-term capital investments, while also managing capital improvement projects averaging $36 million annually.

Mr. LeDuff previously served in several leadership roles within NOLA Public Schools, including Executive Director of Operations & Property Management and Executive Director of Student Access & District Initiatives. Earlier in his career, he worked as Director of School Operations at KIPP New Orleans Schools and as a Commercial Lender at Liberty Bank & Trust. He holds an MBA from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Morehouse College.

SCHEDULE

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. - Registration & Lunch

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Introduction & Announcement

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Presentation with Q&A

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher CMAA Gulf Coast Chapter