School Committee Names Monahan to Callahan Post-This Day In Norwood History-July 12, 1984

The selection followed a rigorous process that evaluated three finalists for the position, which carried an annual salary of approximately $38,000. School Superintendent James R. Savage championed Monahan for the role, citing his extensive background in the district and his deep ties to the community. Monahan, a graduate of Boston College, had previously served as a teacher and principal at the Prescott School for a total of seventeen years before transitioning into his administrative role as business manager in 1980.

The appointment process attracted nine initial applicants, which were eventually narrowed down to three finalists by two screening committees: Monahan, Callahan Elementary School teacher Robert Griffin, and Junior High South reading teacher John Willinski. During the committee’s vote, while five members supported Monahan, Roger Pelletier and Alan Uliss voted “present.” Pelletier explained his vote by noting Monahan’s high level of competence in managing the district’s business affairs, stating he preferred to see him remain in that capacity. Pelletier also voiced support for Griffin, who had taught at the school since 1969 and served as head teacher, suggesting that Griffin would have been a strong candidate for the principalship.

Savage underscored the strength of all three finalists, yet ultimately emphasized the “outstanding record” Monahan established during his nine years as a building principal in Norwood. Following the formal announcement, both Griffin and Willinski extended their congratulations to Monahan. Monahan expressed that returning to the role of an elementary principal was his “primary vocation,” marking a return to the school-level leadership he had stepped away from four years prior. The appointment was seen as a move to provide experienced leadership at the Callahan Elementary School, with the committee and superintendent looking toward a stable transition for students and faculty.

Junior High School South Vandalized in Overnight Break-in

Norwood police were called to investigate a break-in and act of vandalism at Junior High School South on the evening of July 10, 1984. According to police spokesman Paul Bishop, officers responded to an alarm at the Washington Street school around 7:17 p.m. to discover a rear door standing open. Although there was no immediate evidence of forced entry, the interior of the school had been ransacked by individuals who police believed were searching for cash.

The perpetrators focused their efforts on areas housing the town’s recreation department, which had been utilizing temporary quarters at the school while waiting for renovations to be completed at the old Norwood Armory on Nahatan Street. A safe belonging to the recreation department was reported missing, containing an undetermined amount of cash. Further investigation revealed that several interior doors had their windows smashed, a porcelain sink was damaged, and an unsuccessful attempt had been made to pry open the cash receptacle of a soda machine in the cafeteria. While the police continued their investigation, they reported no suspects and were uncertain whether the intrusion involved a single individual or a group.

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