Norwood School Committee Appoints George S. Usevich to New Administrative Post and Creates Temporary Advisorships-October 13, 1983

In a unanimous vote last night, the Norwood School Committee appointed George S. Usevich—formerly the high school’s director of student affairs—to the newly established position of administrative assistant for Norwood High School.

Usevich, who was the sole applicant for the role, will earn an annual salary of $32,000. School Committee Chairman Margery McKenna noted that the compensation for the 40-week position is comparable to his previous earnings.

Restructuring Administrative Duties

The creation of the administrative assistant post follows structural cutbacks enacted at the start of September, when the committee eliminated both the student affairs director position and a vice principal role to achieve budget savings.

Under the new arrangement, Usevich will report directly to remaining Vice Principal Michael F. Gallahue. The two administrators will share operational responsibilities for student discipline and teacher evaluation.

The restructuring sparked a brief debate among committee members regarding pay equity. Committeeman Roger M. Pelletier cast a “reluctantly” supportive vote, raising concerns that Usevich and Gallahue would earn an identical daily rate of $160 per day, arguing it was unusual for an assistant to earn the same daily wage as their superior.

Chairman McKenna clarified the distinction, pointing out that Gallahue’s position spans 48 weeks compared to Usevich’s 40-week schedule, though she acknowledged uncertainty regarding future salary negotiations.

The shifting administrative landscape has seen other leadership adjustments as well: Louis J. Buscone, who served as the high school’s second vice principal prior to September’s cuts, has transitioned to the role of director of computer services with a salary approaching $36,000.

New Temporary Advisory Positions Established

In addition to the administrative appointment, the committee voted unanimously to establish four temporary stipended advisory positions at the high school, funded through existing allocations within the teacher salary budget:

• Tenth Grade Advisor: $250
• Eleventh Grade Advisor: $500
• Twelfth Grade Advisor: $1,000
• Student Council Advisor: $1,000

A fifth proposed post—treasurer, budgeted at $1,000—was tabled pending resolution of administrative questions. Both teachers and administrators are eligible to apply.

McKenna emphasized that the new advisory posts will not increase overall spending. Superintendent James R. Savage confirmed that funds are fully available within existing accounts. While Committeeman Joseph Penkowski urged the board to formally petition the finance commission for the allocations, Alan M. Uliss successfully argued that the committee had direct control over the budgeted funds. A formal notification letter will nevertheless be sent to the finance commission.

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