Winooski School Board Takes Next Step on Capital Project
Tom Barden of Hinesburg has been selected to manage the $57.8 M project
Winooski, VT, July 24, 2019 – On Wednesday evening, the Winooski School Board approved the Executive Capital Project Committee’s recommendation to hire Tom Barden of Barden Inspection and Consulting Services, Inc., as Owner Project Manager (OPM). The OPM will oversee the construction management team handling the Winooski School District (WSD) Capital Project. The main components of the project include 66,000 square feet of additions and 142,000 square feet of renovations including new windows and doors, new roofing, new interior finishes, a new HVAC system, renovations of electrical power system, new flooring, a new sprinkler system, new plumbing fixtures, restoration of exterior masonry, and site improvements.
The project is currently in the Schematic Design Phase. The shovels in the ground construction is expected to start on or before July 1, 2020 and should be completed January 2022.
Tom Barden has previously worked as Clerk-of-the-Works and Owner’s Representative for similar projects at Champlain Valley Union High School, Charlotte Central School, Rice Memorial High School, Shelburne Community School, and Williston Central School.
WSD Board President, Michael Decarreau, explains why he’s confident Barden is the right fit for the position, “Tom’s extensive experience with school renovation projects in Vermont is unmatched. His experience, coupled with his deep understanding of our community and students, makes him a natural leader as we embark upon this important and significant investment in Winooski families.”
Tom Barden is thrilled to take on this new role as OPM for the district. Originally from Ireland, he’s lived in Vermont with his wife since 1975, and has been an American citizen since 1984. Barden has worked on school construction projects for the past 20 years, and thought his most recent project in Williston would be his last school job. But when he heard about the WSD Capital Project he had a change of heart. Barden explains, “I have a lot of respect for what the Winooski community has been doing for immigrants, and I decided to offer my talents and services to help a school that’s given immigrants a leg up. That’s what drove me to apply for the position and I was lucky enough to get it.” ###