The School Committee conducted formal interviews last night with two prospective candidates for the vacant business manager position while becoming embroiled in a stormy debate regarding student transportation contracts and administrative authority.

The committee interviewed Ralph E. Brooks, business manager for Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, and John D. Sheehan, assistant business administrator in Weymouth, who are vying to succeed Lawrence S. Canter following his resignation.

Busing Controversy and Yellow Cab Dispute

In addition to administrative interviews, the session flared into heated debate over student busing. On a motion by member Richard Joseph, the committee agreed to meet with Yellow Cab President Richard Armour and Town Counsel Justin Barton, stipulating that Armour must appear strictly as a “private taxpayer” rather than a corporate representative, given that Yellow Cab has an active lawsuit pending against the committee over bidding procedures.

Tensions escalated as members Charles Siraca and Joseph Pentowski sharply rebuked Superintendent of Schools Louis J. Taris for reassigning special student bus routes previously held by Yellow Cab to Kiessling School Transportation of Dedham without convening a special school committee meeting. Superintendent Taris authorized the transfer after Yellow Cab indicated it could not fulfill contractual routes without a fee adjustment to offset soaring gasoline prices. Committee Chairman Ruth Berkowitz and member Richard Joseph defended Superintendent Taris’s administrative emergency actions, keeping division within the board on display.

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

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Norwood Scrapbook-August 3

A comprehensive daily compilation of historical news from Norwood, Massachusetts on August 3. Featuring stories of town planning, public safety efforts, regional transportation, local achievements, and community concert traditions.
12 Vernon Street – The Joel Metcalf Baker House

Joel M. Baker bought this house lot in 1854 from Joseph Day. It contained about a third of an acre and ran from Washington Street up the hill to Bullard Street. Baker built had local architect/builder, Tyler Thayer construct this Italianate style house in 1855. This house originally sat on the corner of Vernon &…
Norwood High Opens Communications Through TV-December 1, 1991

Course provides on-air education from school studio NORWOOD-At 7:30 a.m. Katy Kale, a high school senior, pasted on a smile, folded her hands, looked straight into the camera and said, “Good morning and welcome to Norwood High School News.” For the last four years, Norwood students have been learning what it takes to be a…
Norwood Schools Get Backing for Cable TV-July 24, 1991

The Norwood School Committee unanimously voted to pursue a $530,000 federal Even Start grant utilizing cable television to expand early childhood education for Norwood and Westwood.
Search for Superintendent Stirs Conflict on Committee-July 24, 1991

The Norwood School Committee engaged in a tense debate over expanding the superintendent search committee to include PTA representation and broader community voices.
Norwood High School Implements Total Smoking Ban-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.
Gormley Named Norwood Ice Coach-June 25, 1984

Former BC High and Stoughton Mentor Tapped to Succeed Alvin Crowell at High School Helm James Gormley, former head hockey coach at Boston College High School and Stoughton High School, has been appointed head hockey coach at Norwood High School. James Gormley, who lives in Norwood, was previously a Norwood freshman-jayvee hockey coach, marking a…
Norwood School Committee to Ask Teachers to Renegotiate Contracts-August 20, 1982

Citing finance commission opposition and Proposition 2 1/2 limits, the school committee will ask teachers to renegotiate 8 percent pay raises or face town meeting review on September 20.
SNCARC Wins School Committee Support to Operate at Former Willett School Building-July 29, 1982

The Norwood School Committee supported SNCARC’s plan to lease space at the former Willett School building on Westover Parkway for a 12-town habilitation center.
Peabody School Graduates Told Of Obligation To Support Education-June 25, 1982

School officials emphasize community obligations and moral commitments to public education during exercises at Junior High School South.