St. Louis Chapter

The geographic area includes the following counties in St. Louis: Eastern Missouri and Metro East Illinois.

Regional Director: Julie Fried

2024 Annual Regional Conference

iNspired Design   April 30-May 2, 2024
INspired Design: Supporting Next Generation Learners
Indianapolis, IN

Click here for more information and to register for the conference.


POSTPONED

Chapter Event

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM CDT

Location: West Lane Elementary
338 N. West Lane, Jackson, MO 63755
Check in at front office and then proceed to the gymnasium.

Securing Our Future: Navigating the Path to Safer Schools

Join us for an informative panel discussion on Storm Shelters and Schools. Experts will delve into design, protocols, and the importance of preparedness. Following the discussion, take an exclusive tour of the school’s storm shelters. Experience firsthand the security measures in place to ensure student safety. Conclude the event with a lunch, fostering networking and further discussion on creating secure learning environments for our future generations.

West Lane Elementary School
West Lane Elementary School West Lane Elementary School

Learning Objectives:
  • In an era where safety and preparedness are more crucial than ever, our schools stand at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to protect our children and educational communities. "Securing Our Future: Navigating the Path to Safer Schools" is a must-attend panel discussion designed for educators, administrators, architects, and engineers who are dedicated to creating a secure learning environment against the unpredictability of severe weather events.
  • This panel discussion will explore the essential distinctions between Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters, providing a clear understanding of how each can be integrated effectively within educational settings. With the ever-changing landscape of safety codes, we will navigate the complex requirements that mandate the inclusion of storm shelters in schools, offering insights into how these regulations can be met with innovative design and planning.
  • We will look at the myriad of grant opportunities available to fund these critical safety enhancements. Our experts will guide you through the process of identifying, applying for, and securing financial support to make these essential projects feasible for your district. We will share industry best practices and real world success stories, illustrating how schools across Missouri have successfully implemented storm shelters and safe rooms. From initial concept to completion, learn how these projects not only enhance safety but also serve as multi-functional spaces that contribute to the educational mission.
  • Join us for "Securing Our Future: Navigating the Path to Safer Schools" and take the first step towards transforming your school into a beacon of safety and resilience. Discover how you can leverage cutting-edge strategies, funding opportunities, and community support to safeguard your students and staff against the unexpected, ensuring peace of mind for parents and the community at large. Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge, resources, and inspiration needed to champion these vital projects within their own districts. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the movement towards a safer, more secure future for our schools.

Project Team:
Architect of Record: Incite Design Studio
Structural Engineer: Toth and Associates
Electrical & Mechanical Engineer: ECS
Civil Engineer: Koehler
Contractor: Brockmiller Construction, Inc.
Specialized Consultants:
   Grant Writer – Toth and Associates
Owner: Jackson R-II School District

Presenters:
Dr. Keenan Kinder has 27 years in education, 19 years of which has been in administration with Operations and Buildings. Dr. Kinder is also a very proud alumni of the Jackson R-II School District and has served the district as an administrator for the past 5 years.

Brian Orr, PE is a principal at Toth and Associates, Inc. in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Orr has been working on safe room designs for over 20 years and is on the technical steering committees for the FEMA P-320, P-361, and P-431 updates.

Teresa Lehman has over 35 years of accounting and grant writing/grant administration experience. Ms. Lehman began her career at TOTH performing cost of service studies and rate analysis and design for cooperatives and municipals in Missouri and Arkansas. Since then, she has expanded her project experience to include grant writing, submission, and management.

Mike Hilmes with Incite Design Studio has been in architecture for 30 years, 28 of which has been in the educational world. Mr. Hilmes opened the St. Louis office for iDS in 2017 as the studio director, and is now serving as the client relationship manager. Utilizing his passion for the design and construction of educational spaces, he is currently serving as the St. Louis Chapter President of A4LE.

Members: Free | Non-Members: $20
School Districts: $20 (Scholarships Available)

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Event Sponsors:
Hoener incite Design Studio Shaw Contract Toth

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