Norwood School Committee Appoints Dr. Louis J. Taris as New Superintendent of Schools-July 24, 1978

On July 24, 1978, the Norwood School Committee voted unanimously during a Saturday session to appoint Dr. Louis J. Taris, superintendent of schools in Presque Isle, Maine, as Norwood’s new superintendent under a three-year contract starting at $37,000 annually with scheduled $2,000 raises each subsequent year.

Set to assume the post on September 1, the 47-year-old Boston native and former Dedham resident will succeed retiring superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley, who is stepping down this fall after an 18-year tenure. The committee selected Dr. Louis J. Taris following closed-door interviews alongside co-finalist Richard G. Gallivan, superintendent of schools in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. School Committee Chairman Henry W. Diggs noted that while both candidates were deemed exceptionally qualified during executive contract discussions, board members were ultimately swayed by Dr. Louis J. Taris‘s aggressive, energetic demeanor and executive background.

Board members praised the incoming superintendent’s strong leadership qualities and administrative experience. Committee member Rudith Berkowitz remarked, “Both men seemed equally qualified, but he [Taris] came off as the strongest candidate,” highlighting his direct experience in managing school closures. Similarly, member Joseph M. Pentowski observed, “Just what the Norwood School Committee wanted at this time. Sometimes a town wants someone conservative, sometimes it wants someone a little more assertive.” Member John Chisholm added, “I felt we needed the enthusiasm and confidence he displayed. He seemed effervescent. He seemed confident and aggressive. The fact he comes from this area, that’s an asset.” A graduate of Boston University, Dr. Louis J. Taris previously served two terms on the Dedham School Committee from 1964 to 1969, giving him valuable insight into governance. Expressing excitement over his return to the region, he noted in a telephone interview, “All my relatives live in the town of Dedham. This is almost like going home… I understand personally the school committee point of view.” He and his wife planned to enroll their son and daughter in a local Norwood elementary school that fall.

Addressing Norwood’s pressing financial constraints and declining student enrollments, Dr. Louis J. Taris drew upon his five-year tenure leading Maine School Administrative District No. 1 in Presque Isle—a sprawling system of over 4,000 students across a high school, a vocational school, two junior highs, and six elementary schools where he successfully navigated a politically sensitive school closure. Regarding fiscal hurdles in Norwood, he stated, “As I indicated to the school committee, I am going to examine the situation closely before taking action. I am very definitely not coming to the Norwood school system with any preconceived ideas about it… I realize there are serious fiscal problems, but I look forward to the challenge.” On the sensitive topic of potential school closures, he emphasized transparency, stating, “Being honest with all those involved will be the keystone of my program… While parents should be informed of all school programs, this is particularly true of a school closing. It’s not a foregone conclusion. I’ll have to go over the accounts with a fine-toothed comb.” Meanwhile, outgoing superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley—whose contract extended through October but who had scheduled a September vacation—declined to comment on transition scheduling until conferring directly with the committee.

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