Superintendent Warns Of Possible Double-Session Classes If Washington Street Facility Openings Fail
A steel strike at the end of last summer halted installation of metal decking for the roof and delayed the roofer. Snow and freezing weather further hampered the project before the roof could be completed at the new school site. Without a roof, heat could not be installed and tradesmen could not work inside the building. On May 1, a carpenters strike lasting about six weeks further upset the building schedule.
Richard Burns, building foreman for the project, said yesterday he is still hoping to finish the classrooms and the administrative offices by September. He said the gymnasium and the auditorium would be completed later. School Supt. Philip O. Coakley says he will know for sure whether the school will be ready or not by the end of this week.
He adds that school department officials are studying alternative plans which may be put into effect if the new school does not open on time. James R. Donovan, assistant superintendent for secondary education, says the school department is “still hoping” the school will be ready in September. The school committee will adopt a plan – possibly double sessions – if the junior high is not completed on time. Chairman Saraca says double sessions at the present junior high on Washington Street is a possible solution to the problem that would be created by a delay in opening the North Junior High. The superintendent will present the alternative after more study.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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