Brief rains reveal failing school roof, now slated for emergency repairs

October 3, 2025  |  By Lisa Scagliotti

The roof on the center building at Brookside Primary School is replaced in July 2024. Roofers return Oct. 10 to replace the north building roof. File photo by Lisa Scagliotti

Despite the record dry spell and ongoing drought conditions in Vermont, a brief break in the sunshine last week for rain showers revealed leaks in the roof at Brookside Primary School and emergency repairs are scheduled for next weekend. 

“During last week’s rain, the roof on the south building experienced significant leaks,” explained Harwood Unified Union School District Superintendent Mike Leichliter.

Facilities Manager Ray Daigle contacted roofing contractor Evergreen, who has replaced other roof sections at the school recently, to inspect the damage. 

“Evergreen’s inspection found the south building roof to be in critical condition, requiring full replacement rather than repair. They identified extensive problems, including missing and damaged shingles, improperly attached materials, and exposed sheathing,” Leichliter said. 

Patching the roof was deemed not viable. “They determined it couldn't be adequately repaired to ensure we wouldn't have significant issues over the winter,” Daigle said. 

The south building was scheduled for roof replacement next summer, Daigle noted. Evergreen provided a quote of $56,000 to complete an emergency replacement beginning Oct. 10. The Harwood School Board meets on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and will be asked to approve using the district’s Maintenance Reserve Fund for the project, the superintendent said. 

Presuming the school board approves the expenditure, and weather permitting, the contractor would start on Friday, which is an in-service day in the school district. There are no classes for students, although teachers and staff will have trainings that day. The district’s schools also are closed on Monday, Oct. 13, for the Indigenous People’s Day holiday. 

Daigle said the project will require just a few days and work should be completed prior to students arriving back to school on Oct. 14th, weather permitting. 

Waterbury Public Works Director Bill Woodruff said High Street would be closed on Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon for the contractor to set up along the south end of the building to do the roof demolition. The road would be closed between Stowe Street and the intersection with Armory Avenue, he said. 

Should the project schedule change due to weather or other factors, this post will be updated.