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had previously reported to the school committee that the matter was successfully resolved and the formal grievance withdrawn, Mr.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
-
Norwood Kindergarten Bus Routes Announced for Fall Term-September 9, 1983
School officials have officially released the comprehensive morning and afternoon bus route schedules for Norwood kindergarten students, with classes set to begin on Monday. Schedule and School-Specific Route Details The morning kindergarten session commences at 8:40 a.m. (with first pickups beginning at 8:20 a.m. and dismissal at 11:15 a.m.), while the afternoon session begins at…
-
Rain-Damaged Cleveland and Prescott Schools Expected to Be Repaired by September-August 17, 1983
Unexpected rainstorms caused roof leaks at the Cleveland and Prescott schools during active construction, though officials expect full contractor-funded repairs before the September opening.
-
John A. Poce Named Principal at Junior High School North-November 11, 1982
The Norwood School Committee unanimously appointed 24-year veteran educator and former Norwood High baseball captain John A. Poce as principal of Junior High School North.
-
School Committee Warns of Political Firestorms Over Forthcoming School Closing Study-October 21, 1981
Praising the progress of a long-range school planning study, Norwood School Committee members warned that recommendations regarding school closures could spark emotional political debates in January.
-
School Officials Seek $62,700 from Town Meeting to Fund Classroom Computers-September 10, 1982
School officials plan to ask town meeting for $62,700 to purchase 16 computers for elementary, junior high, and high schools to introduce students to computer technology.
-
Selectmen Target $82,500 for Gymnasium Repairs While Uncovering Wider $750,000 School Roof Crisis-September 9, 1982
Facing extensive water damage at Norwood High School, selectmen tentatively agreed to recommend an $82,500 appropriation at the September 20 special town meeting—while a broader engineering survey revealed an estimated $750,000 in necessary roof repairs across the school district. Gym Floor Damage and Architectural Estimates An August 9 rainstorm caused severe rainwater leakage from a…
-
John Poce Appointed Acting Principal of Junior High School North-September 9, 1982
Junior High School North vice-principal John Poce is unanimously appointed acting principal by the school committee following James R. Savage’s promotion to superintendent.
-
Norwood Public School Students Score Strongly on State Basic-Skills Exams-September 2, 1982
Students across Norwood public schools have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, scoring remarkably well on state-mandated basic-skills tests for the second consecutive year. Released recently following examinations administered last spring, the district data reveals that only a very small handful of students across grades three, five, and eight failed to achieve minimum passing standards in reading,…
-
School Long-Range Planning Panel to Deliver Progress Report-August 24, 1982
Facing declining enrollments, Norwood’s school planning panel will deliver a progress report in October and final recommendations on grade configurations and potential school closures in January.
-
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.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.