09/15/2026
Transitioning to zero-energy design is often viewed as a luxury, but the long-term reality is a matter of fiscal responsibility.
Join us for the 2026 NDSBA Annual Convention and hear from these panel members explore how high-performance school buildings serve as a hedge against rising utility costs while creating healthier, more resilient spaces for students. This multidisciplinary team will discuss the "business case" for sustainability, including financing strategies, operational savings, and the ways a commitment to net-zero carbon can enhance a district's long-term budget stability and strengthen community trust.
Speakers for this clinic session on Friday, Oct. 9, include Jeff Olson, Katherine Gerzina, Mike Laverdure, and David Vig.
Jeff Olson has served as the Superintendent of Fort Totten Public School District #30 (Four Winds Public Schools) on the Spirit Lake Reservation in Fort Totten, North Dakota, for 17 years. In this role, he leads educational operations across the Four Winds High School and the Four Winds Alternative & CTE High School. A champion of innovative school infrastructure, Jeff oversaw the development of the Alternative & CTE High School—the first Zero Energy educational facility constructed on tribal land. He also serves as President of the Management Team for the Technology Learning Cooperative (TLC), driving regional collaboration and technology sharing among North Dakota school districts.
Katherine Gerzina is driven not only to ensure each client is overjoyed with their finished building, but that they are also heavily involved in the process along the way. While Katherine is guiding the project, she is facilitating collaborative conversations that empower school leadership, educators, and communities to help shape their learning spaces. Beyond her affinity for client-architect collaboration, Katherine values learning environments that support health and sustainability. She works with educational systems to incorporate health and wellness as part of a sustainable strategy, focusing on healthy, reusable, and sustainable materials, air quality and active design using Fitwel standards.
Mike Laverdure's professional philosophy centers on collaboration and the creation of spaces that foster a strong sense of community. His approach is rooted in understanding the specific needs of his clients, ensuring that all stakeholders are actively involved in the design process from the outset. Mike was the principal architect on the first Net Zero school located on tribal lands in North America, on the Spirit Lake Sioux reservation. His mission in life is to promote architecture and engineering as a valid and vital STEM career for tribal youth and to have Indigenous architecture create real change in Tribal communities. As an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota, Mike brings a unique and valuable perspective to his work. Mike is majority owner of First American Design Studio (FADS).
David Vig has led the mechanical design of diverse HVAC projects throughout his career, with a particular focus on high-performance facilities. As a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), he brings a deep understanding of energy conservation strategies and practical approaches to balancing efficiency, long-term operational value, and project budget requirements. His expertise allows owners to achieve ambitious energy goals while maintaining reliable, maintainable systems that support student success and occupant comfort. David is recognized for his commitment to quality, collaboration, and thoughtful engineering solutions. He serves as a trusted partner to school districts, building owners, and project teams, ensuring that each design aligns with the client’s operational needs, maintenance capabilities, and long-term facility goals.
