The Princeton Public Schools has appointed David J. Harding as the district’s new director of facilities, replacing Gary Weisman, who is retiring at the end of June.
Harding, who is the director of facilities for the Bernards Township public school district, will assume his new duties July 1. He has worked for the Bernards Township school district for six years.
Harding earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and has served as a project director for an engineering firm. He also worked as the associate director of physical plant at Seton Hall University.
Harding has extensive experience in coordinating staff and contractors on a variety of facility improvement projects. He has developed sustainable energy master plans and also provided oversight for LEEDS certification on several projects.
LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – encourages green design by using recycled material where possible and using green building materials. The goal is to reduce the impact on the environment.
In his new role, Harding will oversee district-wide plant operations, manage facilities use and capital projects related to building renovation and construction, and also supervise transportation. He will work on those projects with Superintendent of Schools Steve Cochrane.
Harding’s new job calls for oversight on the school district’s recently approved $26.9 million bond referendum to make improvements to the school buildings. This includes design reviews, cost estimates, bid specifications, construction plans and project implementation.
“This is an important ‘hire’ for the entire Princeton community,” Cochrane said.
Harding brings a significant amount of experience that will guide the school district’s efforts to maintain and enhance the school district’s facilities, which will enhance learning and sustainability, Cochrane said.
“I am excited to be joining the Princeton Public Schools at this important time in the evolution of their facilities,” Harding said.
Harding said he is looking forward to “getting on board, rolling up my sleeves and continuing to plan for the future of the school district and its students.”
