District 181 Names Project Manager For New HMS Construction

District 181 is pushing forward with its plan to build a brand-new Hinsdale Middle School, and Thursday evening district officials announced they’ve hired a project manager to take the reins.

Kerry Leonard was approved as the Owner’s Representative, or the district’s project manager, for the new HMS project on Feb. 13, according to a release from the district. Officials, including District 181 Superintendent Don White, said they were looking for a candidate who would stick with the project from pre-construction through post-construction — an undertaking that's expected to last more than two years.

White said in the release several qualified candidates applied for the position of Owner’s Representative at the end of last year, and interviews were held with the top four choices. Leonard was ultimately picked.

“The Owner’s Representative responsibilities require expertise in both commercial construction and education, and we certainly found that with Mr. Leonard,” White said in the release. “Mr. Leonard brings the experience to our team that will help ensure a successful project for our community. He knows the right questions to ask and how to facilitate a strong working relationship between the architect, construction manager, administration, Board of Education and our community partners.”

Leonard is a registered architect in Illinois and Indiana, the release notes. He’s had 35 years of professional experience with educational projects and has led the architectural process for 22 new buildings in Illinois.

Leonard is expected to work part-time, around 20 hours per week, to represent the district and its interests.

“The role of Owner’s Representative is to lead and advise the administration and Board through design and construction,” Leonard said in the release. “Educators have a full-time job that does not include the time and effort required of an owner on a major construction project. I believe in helping owners better understand their facilities and the impact facilities can have, allowing them to better use the buildings the support their educational mission.”

More information about the project and Leonard’s experience can be found on the district’s website.

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Photo courtesy of District 181