AAFCPAs Speaks on Navigating School Facilities Expansion

Posted on December 16, 2024May 29, 2025

On December 11, 2024, AAFCPAs’ David Kelleher, CPA, CGMA, Partner spoke at the Association of Independent Schools New England’s (AISNE) virtual webinar, How Schools Confidently Navigate Facilities Expansion. This session featured insights for Heads, Assistant Heads, CFOs, COOs, advancement leads, and others involved in the financial planning of major facilities projects.

Panelists explored the practicalities of bringing major facilities projects to life. Attendees gained insights into key financial considerations, including the use of bonds, the impact of the current interest rate landscape, and strategies for managing budget fluctuations. The panel also discussed bridge financing and the use of tax credits, sharing real-world examples that demonstrated how various independent schools addressed challenges and seized opportunities in recent campus projects.

Panelists included:

David Kelleher, Partner at AAFCPAs
Jeffrey Rathkamp, VP of Non-Profit Lending at Rockland Trust
David Semenza, Manager of Non-Profit Lending at Rockland Trust
Francis Cash, Chief Operating Officer at Kingsley Montessori School
Chris Mackey, Chief Financial Officer at Boston College High School (an AAFCPAs client)
Jadihel Taveras, Head of School at Esperanza Academy and an AISNE Board Trustee (an AAFCPAs client)

How We Help

Since 1973, AAFCPAs has partnered with schools to strengthen financial oversight, maximize funding sources, and ensure compliance with education-specific regulations. Our team offers tailored audit, tax, and advisory solutions that address the unique complexities of educational institutions, from federal and state reporting requirements to strategic planning for capital improvements.

With expertise in the financial and operational challenges schools face, AAFCPAs provides clients with comprehensive support and guidance on cost allocation, grant compliance, and endowment management. We help schools optimize financial resources, so they remain focused on delivering quality education and enriching student outcomes.

If you have questions, please contact David Kelleher, CPA, CGMA, Partner at 774.512.4042 or dkelleher@nullaafcpa.com—or your AAFCPAs Partner.

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