Saraca Fights to Conduct Grievance in Open Session-September 6, 1979

Following a sharp debate sparked by committee member Charles C. Saraca, the School Committee heard an elementary teacher’s grievance in an open public session last night, bucking initial plans to handle the matter behind closed doors.

The grievance was brought forward by Lee Armstrong, an elementary art teacher of six years whose position was slashed from full-time to three-fifths time due to declining student enrollment. Armstrong was advised during the meeting by Stephen Shinnick, chairman of the Norwood Teachers Association grievance committee.

Saraca strongly objected to holding an executive session, arguing that because the dispute did not involve matters impugning Armstrong’s character or reputation, public transparency demanded an open hearing so taxpayers could understand administrative decisions within the school district. When a preliminary vote on moving into executive session ended in a tie—with committee member William F. Egan absent—the rules required the board to proceed in open session.

Preference for Closed Proceedings

Upon arriving, Armstrong and Shinnick were asked for their preference. Shinnick informed the committee that “most grievances are best discussed in executive session” and asked if members would reconsider, noting that an open forum could complicate matters since another teacher’s name was referenced in the filings.

Although Committee Chairman Ruth Berkowitz invited the faction favoring an open session to move for reconsideration, neither Saraca nor supporting members William F. Pudsey and Joseph Pentowski made a motion to change course. The grievance was subsequently heard in relative quiet during the open session, and the committee took the matter under advisement.

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