Norwood Teachers Association Submits $1,000 Pay Increase Proposal-August 18, 1966

While Mazurek noted the proposed scale remains “unofficial” until negotiations commence in September, the schedule is slated to go into effect in September 1967. The proposed salary range would elevate the starting minimum from $5,200 (just above the state-mandated $5,000 minimum) to $6,000—aligning with recommendations from the National Education Association (NEA)—and scale up to $12,152 for teachers at the 13th step holding a master’s degree plus 30 credit hours. Additionally, a uniform six percent ratio for step raises would eliminate existing disparities where intermediate steps received smaller increments. Edward Downey, assistant executive director of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, praised the schedule, stating it keeps pace with professional recommendations.

The landmark collective bargaining agreement—signed under the state’s updated collective bargaining laws allowing disputes to be submitted to the state board of conciliation and arbitration—was approved by four school committee members alongside association representatives Richard Mahoney, Andrew Ciarletta, Robert Shanahan, and Phyllis Gallagher. Committee member John J. Cavanaugh delayed ratification for approximately 35 minutes over minor wording changes and parliamentary procedure, arguing for time limits on future amendments and briefly declining to sign until specific phrasing adjustments were typed in. Chairman William Egan, along with members Dr. Thomas Couch, Francis Sheehan, and Charles Saraca (with member Henry Diggs absent), advanced the vote, with Chairman Egan dismissing Cavanaugh’s procedural objections by asserting that committee rules required a four-member vote to overrule the chair.

In other school business, Superintendent Philip O. Coakley reported that two mobile classrooms ordered to house students at the Winslow School might not arrive in time for the school opening due to unexpected state Department of Public Safety requirements mandating enclosed passageways to school lavatories. Resident Edmund Linehan of 73 Hoyle St. had appeared earlier to question whether all children would have proper classrooms without resorting to double sessions. Additionally, the committee approved plans initiated by High School Principal John Monbouquette to establish a 10-member majorette program for the high school under physical education oversight.

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