Talk of the Town-July 20, 1978

School Superintendent Selection

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The Norwood School Committee is set to name a new superintendent of schools following the second interview with two finalists: Richard G. Gallivan and Louis J. Taris. The committee expects to make a decision on Saturday morning after conducting interviews at 8 am in the administration building.

Chairman Henry W. Diggs announced that the early morning weekend session was chosen to accommodate all seven committee members, as a majority of them wanted to have both finalists back for another face-to-face meeting. Two members were ready to vote their choice last night, but the decision will likely turn on more subtle considerations, such as “what a candidate will do for Norwood.”

The two candidates are considered almost equal in terms of credentials, with Richard G. Gallivan being described as soft-spoken and low-keyed, while Louis J. Taris is seen as more verbal or outgoing. Both men have connections to the greater Boston [Boston, MA] area and are former Bostonians.

Richard G. Gallivan has taught in the Needham Public Schools [Needham Public Schools] for 10 years and was a principal and superintendent in Mahwah, N.J., before heading the North Kingstown School Department for three years. His present salary is $35,000. Louis J. Taris, on the other hand, is a Boston University [Boston University] graduate and served two terms on the Dedham School Committee in the 1960s. He has headed the Presque Isle Schools for five years and also earns $35,000.

The Norwood School Committee purports to be flexible on the question of salary, but town meeting approved funds to pay the new superintendent the same amount as retiring Supt Philip O. Coakley receives: $36,000. The Edcon consultants advised the committee that both candidates have excellent credentials and are highly recommended.

Water Resource Challenges

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As the school committee deliberates, Norwood [Town of Norwood, MA] is facing another challenge in terms of water resources. Two studies prompted by the MDC‘s warning that it will not be able to meet all of Norwood‘s water needs by 1990 will be followed up by test drilling in the Ellis Station [Ellis Station, Norwood, MA] area.

Town Manager John P. Mogan told selectmen that the town is facing a need for 2.5 million gallons per day more than the 4.5 million gallons the MDC will be able to provide by 1990. Bids will be sought for drilling test wells at Ellis Station in the near future, and discussions have started with the state Department of Environmental Quality Engineering on the possibility of state and federal funding for developing well fields in Norwood.

John P. Mogan also mentioned that the water at Ellis Station was found to be drinkable by the consulting firm studying the area, but tying Norwood well fields into the MDC water line may be difficult due to variable pressure in that line. Treatment of the local water would be the most costly element of the project, but John P. Mogan believes it could produce water cheaper than the MDC.

Community News & Events

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In other news, the DeMolay flea market has been rescheduled to Saturday on the grounds of the United Church in Norwood [United Church in Norwood]. The event will feature no admission or parking fee, and refreshments will be sold by members of the DeMolay Mothers Club.

Additionally, Project Head Start under Self Help Inc. of Brockton [Brockton, MA] has expanded its program and is now serving the Norwood area. The program is for three and four-year-old children from limited income families and provides pre-school preparation by a skilled teaching team.

The local Project Head Start program also services children with handicaps and special needs, providing activities to stimulate mental and physical development and promote emotional growth. Registration will be held tomorrow from 10 am to 1 pm at the Norfolk Mental Health Association [Norfolk Mental Health Association].