School Enrollment Drop Projected-August 27, 1977

As Norwood public schools prepare to open on September 7, school officials project a total enrollment of 5,852 students-representing a decrease of 319 students compared to the 6,171 enrolled on opening day the previous year.

School Committee Chairman Richard Kief noted that this projected drop is “reasonably consistent” with estimates presented during the June 23 town meeting. Although official projections for individual grades will not be released until the following week, Kief confirmed that because the decline was anticipated and factored into teacher contracts, the district will not implement staff cuts for the school year. This follows a vote by the school committee last May to eliminate 22 teaching positions from a staff of approximately 470 in anticipation of shrinking class sizes.

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

Andy Scafati Recalls 40 Seasons in Athletics Ahead of Norwood Retirement-September 7, 1972

Longtime Norwood High School athletic director Andy Scafati reflects on 40 years in sports and the remarkable expansion of the town’s athletic programs as he prepares to step down.
School Board Reverses Vote, Keeps NorWest Woods Pupils at Oldham-August 29, 1972

In a reversal of a previous decision, the School Committee has voted to keep 46 elementary school children from the Nor-West Woods apartment complex at the Oldham School, rescinding a July 5 vote that would have transferred them to the Shattuck School. Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley explained that the committee revoted on the matter…
Norwood Sets $38 Tax Rate on Court-Ordered 100% Property Valuation for 1972-August 16, 1972

Announcing a 1972 tax rate of $38 per $1,000 under a court-ordered 100 percent property valuation, Assessor Chairman James J. Drummey concluded a major reassessment by Cole, Layer and Trumble.
Norwood Jr. High Offered Land At $9,500 An Acre-September 30, 1971

The Norwood School Committee recommends the Endean area in Walpole as the site for a new junior high school, facing sharp questioning from town meeting members over rising costs and site shifts.
Norwood High School Launches Innovative Open Campus Plan for Fall Term-September 8, 1971

Norwood High School opens the fall term by launching an innovative open campus and extended-day program designed by Principal John F. Monbouquette to foster student responsibility.
Junior High Alternate Estimates Sought-June 25, 1971

A sharp debate divides Town Manager Walter Blasenak and finance officials over mounting unappropriated architectural fees for Boston design firms.
Schools Face Heating Oil Shortage for Upcoming Winter, While Band Camp and Library Art Programs Make Headlines-August 6, 1970

Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley informed the Norwood School Committee that no companies submitted bids to supply 110,000 gallons of No. 5 heating oil for town schools due to quotas, shortages, and environmental regulations.
Bells Are Ringin’-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
Henry O. Peabody School of Practical Nursing Graduates 28 Students-October 13, 1969

Twenty-eight practical nursing students graduate from Norwood’s Henry O. Peabody School, with special honors awarded to local standouts Gail Penza, Mary A. Paulin, and Grace Robinson.
Permanent Building Committee Suspends Planning For Norwood High Addition-September 5, 1969

The building committee pauses planning for a $6.1 million Norwood High School addition pending further review, while addressing low-bidding rules for school furnishings.