Norwood Renews Search For High School Principal-This Day In Norwood History-June 25, 1964

School Committee Convenes Full Membership to Address Crisis Sparked by Sudden Resignation

A full complement of School Committee members will meet tonight to grapple with the crisis created by the resignation of Francis T. Bresnahan of Newburyport as principal of the Norwood High School 10 days after he accepted the post. Francis T. Bresnahan was to assume his duties Aug. 1. The School Committee deliberated nearly three months before naming the Newburyport principal. Of 31 total candidates who applied for the Norwood post, 16 were interviewed.

Francis X. Sheehan, chairman of the Norwood School Committee, expressed deep concern today with the outcome of the situation triggered by Mr. Francis T. Bresnahan’s decision to remain in Newburyport as principal of the high school in that town. Francis X. Sheehan, who criticized the North Shore principal’s move, said his resignation “inadvertently might put a pall over the Norwood principalship” vacancy created by the retirement of Charles A. Hayden Aug. 31. “I would hope the School Committee would take due deliberation” in selecting a new candidate for the post, Francis X. Sheehan said, because under the circumstances, the board could panic and name quickly.

John Mombouquette, vice principal of the high school, could administer the school until a principal was selected, Francis X. Sheehan pointed out. At tonight’s session, which marks the first time a full committee meeting could be arranged since Francis T. Bresnahan’s decision was disclosed, one of the original applicants may be reconsidered for the job. Francis X. Sheehan said he would suggest that several colleges in the Boston area be requested to furnish the names of “top men” in education, adding that the move might save time.

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