Improvement Projects

On this page...

The School Discretionary Enhancement Program 

The School Discretionary Enhancement (SDE) program gives schools more control and flexibility over building improvement projects. Schools will work directly with a dedicated project manager to plan and oversee their projects, from developing a scope of work to securing approvals and managing contractors. Funding will remain within school budgets, and schools will issue purchase orders and certify payments. This approach streamlines the process, reduces reliance on central offices, and allows schools to address their unique needs more efficiently while ensuring projects are completed on time. Please see below for detailed instructions on the new SDE process. 

1. Understand the Program 

  • The School Discretionary Enhancement (SDE) program replaces the Market Maker system. 

  • Projects must be completed by June 30 of each fiscal year. 

  • TGG (The Gordian Group) manages the program and assigns a project manager to each school. 

2. Initial Steps for Schools 

  • Assign a Contact: Schools must assign a contact person to coordinate with the TGG project manager. 

  • Contact your TGG project manager:  

  1. Manhattan: Mike Natale [mnatale5@schools.nyc.gov]
  2. Bronx: Kim Snyder [ksnyder4@schools.nyc.gov]
  3. Queens: Pete Zafonte [pzafonte@schools.nyc.gov] 
  4. Brooklyn: Sal Callace [scallace@schools.nyc.gov]  
  5. Verrazzano (Staten Island): Rich Martinez [rmartinez8@schools.nyc.gov] 
  6. Verrazzano (Brooklyn South):Henry Restrepo [hrestrepo@schools.nyc.gov] 

  • Scope of Work: TGG will guide schools in developing a scope of work and acquire necessary approvals from: 

    • DSF Health & Safety 

    • OSP for space utilization changes 

  • Object Codes: Schools must schedule funds in object codes 676 and 686; contact your budget person for support in scheduling funds. 

3. Issue Purchase Orders (POs) 

  • Schools issue purchase orders directly to the following vendors: 

    • General Contractor (GC) in object code 676 

    • Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) in object code 676 

    • TGG in object code 686 

  • School funds are paid directly to the vendor and not transferred to DSF. 

4. Project Management 

  • TGG manages the entire project, including the EHS portion. 

  • TGG handles contractor coordination and ensures project delivery aligns with the approved timeline. 

5. Payment Process 

  1. TGG Invoice Submission: TGG certifies invoices and submits them to the school. 

  1. School Certification: Schools certify delivery in FAMIS. 

  1. Accounts Payable (AP): AP processes payments. 

6. Approved Vendors and Contracts 

  • Schools must issue POs to the vendor approved by TGG. These include contractors for general construction, asbestos abatement, and hazardous waste removal. 

7. Additional Support 

  • TGG will guide schools through each step of the process. For any guidance during the SDE process, reach out to your TGG representative for assistance.