On July 10, 1965, Norwood officials were actively working to resolve the placement of a proposed six-court tennis facility at the Prescott School.
Recreation Superintendent Richard Ready noted that while the specific site remained undecided, he and other town officials were in the process of analyzing a location proposed by the Norwood School Committee.
⠀
The initial site for the courts, identified by the recreation department, was located near the existing baseball diamond. However, members of the School Committee expressed concern that utilizing this area would result in the loss of space for children playing baseball. Consequently, School Committee members, along with Superintendent of Schools Philip O. Coakley, recommended a different location to the rear of the school near an access road off Neponset Street. Superintendent Coakley described this alternative area as a “natural plateau” that would be better suited for the project, as it was not currently in use and was positioned far enough from the baseball diamond to avoid conflict. The School Committee subsequently instructed the superintendent to convey their preference to the recreation department. The proposed tennis courts were designed to provide recreational space for both students and residents living on the easterly side of Route 1.
⠀
In addition to the tennis court planning, Superintendent Coakley announced arrangements for the school system’s leadership during his planned vacation that month. He appointed James Donovan, assistant to the superintendent, to manage matters concerning secondary schools, and Umberto Napoleone, the curriculum director at the elementary level, to oversee situations within that division. Superintendent Coakley shared these appointments during a recent School Committee session after members requested a point of contact to address any issues that might arise during his absence.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
Norwood High School Implements Total Smoking Ban-This Day In Norwood History-July 3, 1985
In July 1985, the Norwood School Committee unanimously approved a total smoking ban at Norwood High School to begin in September, prioritizing the health of its students.
-
Peabody School Graduates Told Of Obligation To Support Education-This Day In Norwood History-June 25, 1982
School officials emphasize community obligations and moral commitments to public education during exercises at Junior High School South.
-
Norwood High School Accessibility Concerns-This Day In Norwood History-July 10, 1978
On July 10, 1978, parents of handicapped students in Norwood voiced serious concerns regarding the lack of physical accessibility at the local high school. Mrs. Charlotte Haskell, president of the Norwood Special Needs Parents Group, recently sent a formal letter to School Superintendent Philip O. Coakley. In the communication, she urged the district to take…
-
School Board Recall Urged-This Day In Norwood History-July 8, 1978
Discover the 1978 budget battle in Norwood, where deep cuts to the school district’s $11.3 million budget led to a controversial recall effort and a lawsuit involving the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
-
Taxpayers Sue to Restore School Budget-This Day In Norwood History-July 6, 1978
Seeking to prevent a mid-summer school closure, 36 Norwood taxpayers filed a lawsuit in 1978 to restore $600,000 in education funding.
-
Unfinished Junior High To Open On Schedule-This Day In Norwood History-July 8, 1974
Discover the construction history of the $4.5 million Junior High South project in 1974, detailing the challenges faced during the transition from the old Washington Street school.
-
School Board Rejects ‘Floating Principal’ Proposal-This Day In Norwood History-July 03, 1974
The Norwood School Committee held a contentious session on the evening of July 2, 1974, where, following two weeks of deliberation and a lengthy 90-minute executive session, the board voted 5-1 to reject a proposal to create a new administrative position titled “floating principal.“ The concept, initially championed by Committee Member Joseph M. Pentowski, was…
-
School Drop-In Centers Possible In Fall-This Day In Norwood History-June 24, 1974
Citing summer custodial constraints and a lack of air conditioning, town officials vote to survey local youths during the summer to prepare for a fall launch.
-
Junior High Alternate Estimates Sought-This Day In Norwood History-June 25, 1971
A sharp debate divides Town Manager Walter Blasenak and finance officials over mounting unappropriated architectural fees for Boston design firms.
-
Bells Are Ringin’-This Day In Norwood History-July 3, 1970
The Norwood School Committee overhauled its student transportation system and faced an $8,000 wave of structural school vandalism in July 1970
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.