Learning

Custodial & Maintenance Conferences

Three 2026 Custodial & Maintenance Conferences this Summer!

Winneconne • July 15, 2026 | Black River Falls • July 29, 2026 | Muskego-Norway • August 5, 2026

WASBO offers Custodial & Maintenance Conferences each summer at various school districts throughout the state. Each conference is unique, programmed by the district staff hosting the event in concert with the WASBO School Facilities Committee. The emphasis is on practical and hands-on knowledge that custodial and maintenance personnel can implement in their districts.

Attendee Registrations

One-Day Conferences | Registration Rates: Only $50 per individual. Includes breakfast, lunch, materials, and attendance certificate.

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Facility supervisors: Bring Your Entire Team!

For Supervisors: your custodial staff are the frontline guardians of your district's assets and student health. Investing in their professional development isn't just a "perk" - it is a strategic move to reduce liability, extend the life of your facilities, and build a culture of pride. Use this conference to show your support and appreciation by sending your whole team!

For Custodial Professionals: This isn't just another day away from the building; it is an opportunity to sharpen your expertise and prove your value. You will return to your district with the specialized skills needed to work more safely, lead your peers more effectively, and identify cost-savings that impact your district's bottom line.

In addition to exceptional learning, the WASBO Custodial and Maintenance Conference also includes:

  • Facility Manager Certification Program Course Credits in one entire module at each site.
    • WASBO University's Facilities Manager Certification Program is offered by the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials and is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The certification targets the essentials of facility management, including systems maintenance, budgeting, emergency planning, and staffing. Certification is the preferred end; however, individuals may take selected courses in the curriculum without obtaining Certification. Any level of participation will add to one’s experience and knowledge base.
  • The Safety Room Challenge - compete with other custodial teams to identify safety concerns.
  • Vendor exhibits and equipment demonstrations.
  • Networking with peers from districts in your region, as well as across the state, and team building with your own staff.
  • The opportunity to visit another district's school.


Winneconne • July 15, 2026

Winneconne Middle School

Facility Manager Core Certification Module 6 (Leadership) offered

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Black River Falls • July 29, 2026

Black River Falls Middle School

Facility Manager Core Certification Module 8 (Business & Human Resources) offered

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Muskego • August 5, 2026

Muskego High School

Facility Manager Core Certification Module 3 (Environmental Health & Safety) offered

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Exhibitor Registrations

One-Day Conferences | Registration Rate: One exhibit space at one conference is $305 | Two spaces at one conference are $585
Save 20% on each conference exhibit booth fee by registering for two or more 2026 Custodial Conferences!

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Exhibit With WASBO All Summer Long!

Be a part of WASBO's In-Person Custodial and Maintenance Conferences in 2026. This is an ideal opportunity to highlight your products and services to an audience of custodial and maintenance professionals from Wisconsin K-12 schools! Each conference features four hours of open exhibit hall time, including lunch with attendees from Noon to 1 PM and breaks in the exhibit area!

Choose from indoor or outdoor exhibit space to best fit your organization's needs. Each indoor space is designed for a tabletop display and includes a table and chair, while outdoor exhibit spaces accommodate large equipment displays. Indoor or outdoor, each exhibit space is only $305, or two spaces are available for $585. And you can save 20% on your exhibit booth fees simply by registering for 2 or more 2026 Custodial Conference locations! Conference registration, breakfast, and lunch for one representative from each organization are included with each space, and additional representatives are welcome at $75 per person. If bringing additional representatives, please be sure to register them by adding them to your itinerary after saving responses on your initial registration.

Looking for a way to increase your visibility? Consider sponsorship at one or more of these conferences. Sponsorship opportunities are available here.

 

Winneconne • July 15, 2026

Winneconne Middle School

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Black River Falls • July 29, 2026

Black River Falls Middle School

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Muskego • August 5, 2026

Muskego High School

REGISTER NOW



Learning

Lead Custodian Academy

Muskego High School | August 4-5, 2026

From Maintenance to Management: Empowering Custodial Leaders

The role of lead custodians has expanded far beyond traditional cleaning and maintenance duties. Today's lead custodians are expected to be managers, problem-solvers, and important leaders in a school system. Taking care of business as a custodial leader today means wearing many hats—one moment you're cleaning up a mess, the next you're fixing what’s broken like a handyman, rallying your team like a coach, and still finding time to keep the place running smoother than a freshly waxed floor. It’s all about rolling up your sleeves and making magic happen, one task at a time. For this, WASBO offers the Lead Custodian Academy. Coinciding with WASBO's Custodian & Maintenance Conferences, this two-day Academy will empower custodians by teaching them leadership strategies and preparing them to reach the next level in their careers. The first day of the academy will dive deep into developing the skills and knowledge required to excel in their role as a leader, while the second day is all about technical skill development for custodians to excel in their current and future roles.


Academy Registration

Muskego High School | August 4-5, 2026 | $250 per Individual

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Cost & Benefits

  • Cost: $250 per individual, which includes:
    • Many opportunities to participate at the Custodial & Maintenance Conference on Day Two! 
      • Compete in The Safety Room Challenge, which tasks teams with identifying safety concerns
      • Explore vendor exhibits and equipment demonstrations on day two           
      • Network with peers from districts in your region as well as across the state
      • Visit another district's school
    • A trial WASBO membership valid through 6/30/2027
    • Continental breakfast and lunch for both days
    • A completion certificate 
  • Space is limited, so register today!

What You'll Learn

What sets the Academy apart is its interactive approach. Participants will engage with one another in discussions, case studies, and more. The Academy will be a two-day experience, with Day 1 focused on developing the skills and knowledge required to excel in their role as a leader and Day 2 focused on technical skill development.

On the first day, participants will explore the critical importance of the lead custodian's role, followed by an evaluation of current skills and goal-setting to chart personal development paths. Additionally, the distinctions between leading and managing will be explored, with a focus on team leadership and managing diverse perspectives. Day 1 concludes with practical tips for securing a lead custodian position, including interview preparation and ensuring attendees are equipped for career advancement.

On the second day, participants will engage in the custodial conference with the opportunity to attend sessions specifically designed to enhance their technical skills as a lead custodian.  Learning will include topics such as:

  • Essentials of Troubleshooting: Mastering Basic Repairs for School Operations:  Learn troubleshooting essentials for school facilities, including electrical systems, plumbing, and basic equipment maintenance. Participants will learn methods for diagnosing and resolving common issues—from resetting tripped breakers and fixing minor leaks to troubleshooting HVAC units and other essential equipment. 
  • Safety Awareness: Covering a range of key safety topics—from conducting effective fire drills and understanding OSHA guidelines to managing hazardous materials and handling snow removal safely—participants will learn how to proactively prevent incidents and respond confidently to safety challenges. 
  • Streamlining Custodial Operations: Streamline custodial operations by managing work orders, tracking tasks, conducting inventory checks, and optimizing supplies. Learn energy-saving practices, budget management strategies, and practical tools to enhance efficiency, accountability, and sustainability in school facilities.
  • Operating for an Efficient Custodial Department: Discover strategies for optimizing energy use and managing budgets to increase the efficiency and sustainability of school operations. Topics include identifying energy-saving practices, implementing low-cost adjustments, and monitoring utility expenses to reduce waste. 
  • Setup, Tear Down, Repeat: Learn effective approaches for setting up and tearing down athletic and multi-purpose spaces with speed and precision.  With practical tips on organizing workflows and coordinating team efforts, staff will be equipped to handle frequent space transitions efficiently. 
  • Summer is Its Own Season: Be prepared for the unique demands of summer, a critical time for deep cleaning, repairs, and maintenance projects. Learn strategies for developing efficient summer cleaning schedules that accommodate summer school and other on-site activities, as well as tips for coordinating with administrators and staff to ensure clear communication and effective planning.