School Superintendent Objects to Public Characterization of Contract Settlement Concerning Unposted Faculty Vacancies
NORWOOD – Tensions surfaced between the school administration and teachers’ representatives following a recent grievance settlement issued by David Reagon, chairman of the professional rights and responsibilities committee of the Norwood Teachers Association (NTA). Reacting during a school committee meeting on Tuesday night, November 13, 1973, Superintendent Philip O. Coakley expressed sharp anger over public statements made regarding the resolution of the dispute, stating bluntly, “I resent this.”
The underlying controversy centered on three faculty vacancies at the Cleveland School during the previous summer, which had been advertised through postal mailings rather than being formally posted within school buildings as required by union agreements. While Dr. Coakley had previously reported to the school committee that the matter was successfully resolved and the formal grievance withdrawn, Mr. Reagon subsequently told newspapers that “The administration admitted it had not followed the contract correctly and agreed to do so, to the letter, in the future.” Disputing Reagon’s public framing, Dr. Coakley asserted that the NTA representative had reported improperly to the press.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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School Drop-In Centers Possible In Fall-June 24, 1974
Citing summer custodial constraints and a lack of air conditioning, town officials vote to survey local youths during the summer to prepare for a fall launch.
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Superintendent Philip O. Coakley Reacts to NTA Grievance Statement Regarding Cleveland School Postings-November 15, 1973
School Superintendent Objects to Public Characterization of Contract Settlement Concerning Unposted Faculty Vacancies NORWOOD – Tensions surfaced between the school administration and teachers’ representatives following a recent grievance settlement issued by David Reagon, chairman of the professional rights and responsibilities committee of the Norwood Teachers Association (NTA). Reacting during a school committee meeting on Tuesday…
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School Committee Unanimously Approves Period of Silent Meditation Following State Legislative Act-October 25, 1973
Acting on a new state law permitting voluntary reflection, the Norwood School Committee unanimously approved a daily period of silent meditation for local students and teachers.
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Proposal Would Combine High School and Henry O. Peabody School Facilities-October 4, 1973
The School Committee reviews a preliminary proposal to combine Norwood High School and Henry O. Peabody School facilities for a new career development and vocational program.
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Public Schools Face Delays and Possible State Action on Mandatory Hot Lunch Program-August 31, 1973
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Norwood High School Refines Open Campus Program in Second Year of Operation-October 2, 1972
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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