There’s More Room for Change Than You Think

Remaining competitive in today’s education landscape requires independent schools to embrace modernization, and that evolution can often begin by transforming existing spaces into dynamic, future-ready environments. Middlesex School, a grades 9–12 day and boarding school in Massachusetts, took this approach in an innovative facilities plan that transformed legacy buildings to better serve a modern campus community. Join the CFOO and project architect as they share how existing structures were evaluated within a comprehensive campus strategy and adapted to meet current needs. By investing in these strategic upgrades, an independent school can foster innovation and create an environment that appeals to students, parents and educators alike while staying future-ready.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the defining components of modern educational spaces.
• Analyze the impact of modernization on student outcomes and the strategies schools use to stand out.
• Learn how to craft a strategic vision for facility modernization.

Pricing

Members: Free
Nonmembers: $125.00

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Presenters

Michael Hoyle

Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Middlesex School

Michael Hoyle became Middlesex School’s Chief Financial and Operations Officer in July 2025. He brings extensive experience in financial leadership across higher education and previously served as senior vice president, administration, finance and strategic planning at Boston College High School. Hoyle is skilled in crisis management, nonprofit organizations, analytical skills, government, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). He holds a doctorate degree in higher education administration from NYU.

Casey Smith

Principal

Hord Coplan Macht

Casey Smith is a Principal in Hord Coplan Macht’s Education Studio, with twenty years of experience in the field, including renovations, additions and new construction. Most recently, Smith’s work has focused on student life spaces and non-traditional academic environments that support student success, including innovation centers, maker spaces, athletic centers and student centers. He is involved in all phases of a project development, including programming, feasibility studies, design, documents and construction administration.