Norwood School Committee Confronts Wide Range of Issues in Lengthy Session

The June 1969 meeting of the Norwood School Committee stretched late into the night as members tackled a long list of issues, including budget cuts, maintenance priorities, staffing changes, and teacher‑contract negotiations. The session reflected the complexity of running a rapidly growing school system during a period of rising enrollment and increasing financial pressure.

Maintenance Budget Controversy

Committee chairman Charles S. Saraca sharply criticized the selectmen and finance commission for recommending a reduction in the school‑maintenance budget from $125,000 to $100,000. He argued that the review had been “cursory” and insufficient for a district with aging buildings and expanding needs.

Mrs. Berkowitz abstained from approving the maintenance‑priority list, saying that responsibility for school‑building upkeep remained unclear between the school department, the town manager, and the building inspector. Saraca agreed, insisting that the school board should review all maintenance bids directly.

Custodian Contract Approved

The committee approved a new contract granting custodians a 7% raise, retroactive to January 1, and establishing longevity pay for the first time. Custodians with 15 years of service would receive an additional $100 annually; those with 20 years would receive $150.

Teacher Negotiations

The Norwood Teachers Association released a list of 15 contract clauses agreed to “in principle,” including:

• Negotiations beginning no later than September 15
• Sessions held every 15 days
• Three personal days for teachers
• Permission for male teachers to remove jackets during the school day

Late‑Night Meetings Questioned

Member William F. Egan objected to the committee’s increasingly late meetings, some of which had run until 2:30 a.m. He questioned whether the board could make sound decisions after such long hours and urged adherence to the policy prohibiting new agenda items after 11:15 p.m.

Enrollment Projections Released

The district released updated projections showing 3,765 elementary students expected in September, including 300 kindergarteners. With classroom capacities based on 25 students per room, the district faced significant space challenges, requiring the use of basements and other non‑traditional areas.

More detailed projections were scheduled for release in two weeks.

The Patriot Ledger, June 12, 1969 via Newspapers.com

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