Norwood School Committee Adopts Wait-and-See Approach on Energy Crisis-November 15, 1973

Superintendent Philip O. Coakley Urges Avoiding Overreaction Amid Fuel Shortages While Reviewing Security and Facility Upgrades

NORWOOD – Facing impending fuel shortages and mounting energy concerns across the Commonwealth, the Norwood School Committee voted on Tuesday night, November 13, 1973, to follow the recommendation of Superintendent Philip O. Coakley and adopt a cautious “wait-and-see” approach.

The decision came in response to an advisory memo from State Education Commissioner Gregory R. Anrig, who cautioned local school districts to avoid overreaction and maintain standard school schedules until the precise facts and fuel allocations for the winter become clear. While state guidelines suggest potential measures—such as lowering building temperatures to 68 degrees, encouraging warmer student attire, shortening school days, and curtailing after-school recreational activities—Dr. Coakley emphasized that no drastic changes will be enacted in Norwood public schools prior to a special regional Saturday working session in Newton attended by the superintendent and committee members.

Vandalism Costs and Facility Security Measures

Amid discussions on facility efficiency, Superintendent Coakley reported to the committee that recent vandalism over the past four months had cost the school department $11,900. Addressing security concerns, member Francis X. Sheehan Jr. recommended installing deadbolts on school buildings, while member Rudith M. Berkowitz reiterated her suggestion to equip ground-floor windows with protective wire mesh. Dr. Coakley estimated that installing wire mesh would cost $3.50 per square foot, totaling $18,316 at the Oldham School, $25,676 at the Cleveland School, and $19,404 at the Prescott School.

In other administrative actions, the committee approved a request from Robert Ivatts to utilize a whirlpool bath that had been in storage at the high school for three years, contingent upon the approval of Athletic Director Arthur Gulla. The board also accepted a request from Michael Iwanowicz of the selectmen’s data processing committee to hold a joint meeting on November 26 at the high school computer room to explore better technological utilization across municipal departments.

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