Joseph Katchpole Succeeds George Usevich as Vice Principal of Norwood High School-August 23, 1990

Katchpole emerged as the top choice from a competitive pool of finalists that included guidance counselor Mary Lou Karahalis and special education counselor Kevin P. Connolly. Principal Usevich noted that Katchpole distinguished himself in the selection process, stating, “He still has fire in him. He’s still enthusiastic about kids.” School Committee members echoed that praise; committee member Roger Ferris emphasized confidence in the choice, while Chairman Margery McKenna noted that the announcement successfully brought an end to “a lot of gossip and conjecture among the community” regarding the appointment.

A veteran educator who began his teaching career at Norwood High in 1967, Katchpole earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Boston University in 1967 and a master’s degree in education from Boston State College in 1973. In addition to his departmental leadership, he has a distinguished local athletic coaching background, having served as the high school’s head track coach.

Stepping into his new administrative role, Katchpole moves from his previous departmental salary of $39,000 to an annual compensation of $46,475. Reached at his Norwood home following the vote, Katchpole expressed eager anticipation for the new challenge: “I’m excited. There are an awful lot of good people at that high school and it’ll be exciting to work with them in this new capacity. Especially with George [Usevich] who is very forward-looking and positive.” Katchpole is scheduled to meet with Principal Usevich and fellow vice principal Michael Gallahue (who has served in the administration since 1971) to discuss potential administrative restructuring at the school.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger