Prospects Improve for On-Schedule Opening of Junior High South-July 26, 1974

Construction Committee Resolves Material Shortages

On July 26, 1974, The Patriot Ledger reported that the prospects for opening the new Junior High South on schedule looked increasingly promising following a progress update delivered at the Permanent Building Construction Committee meeting. Just two weeks prior, the targeted September 3 opening date appeared in jeopardy due to severe material shortages and delayed deliveries. However, architect James McGrath announced that a productive meeting with heating subcontractor Barber-Colman Co. of Canton successfully expedited the supply chain, ensuring that six vital temperature-control panels would be completed and shipped to the Endean Park site by August 15.

Architects from the Norwood firm Korslund, LeNormand and Quann, Inc. also consulted with state Department of Public Safety inspector A. Retacca to review the precise criteria required to secure a 90-day temporary occupancy permit—which can be extended for an additional 90 days—allowing students to begin classes on time and finally ending three years of double sessions necessitated by the tragic fire that destroyed the previous junior high facility.

Inspector A. Retacca stressed that student safety remains paramount, outlining mandatory conditions for partial occupancy. Proper ventilation systems, including operational exhaust fans, must be fully functional, and fire and vandal alarm systems must be tested and directly linked to local police and fire stations. Because an ongoing ironworkers’ strike threatened metal supplies, the inspector indicated that temporary wooden hand railings would be acceptable. While full completion of handicapped accessibility features might be waived if no disabled students are expected immediately or if accommodations can be managed on the ground level, the inspector requested a complete roster of any handicapped adults and children utilizing the building.

Furthermore, emergency generators, sprinkler systems, and fire chief sign-offs on carpet flammability reports are mandatory, and unfinished zones—such as the cafeteria, gymnasium, and industrial arts wing—must be strictly partitioned off from active classrooms. Encouraged by the progress report, the building committee also approved a base fencing bid of $33,781 from Reliable Fence Co. to secure the grounds, while reviewing ongoing work at the Aaron Guild Elementary School, where the board authorized a $4,772 payment to general contractor J.W. Praught Co. as construction moves toward a smooth fall opening.

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