The selection process for Norwood’s new Superintendent of Schools was a rigorous and meticulous one, involving the careful evaluation of twenty candidates who had submitted their resumes in hopes of securing the position. The Norwood School Committee, comprised of seven members, employed a point system to narrow down the field, rating each candidate on a 10-point basis in ten categories of experience, professional qualifications, and personal qualities.

The point system was designed to provide an objective and fair assessment of each candidate’s suitability for the role. Each member of the committee assigned a score to each candidate, with a maximum total score of 700 points possible. The six semifinalists who emerged from this process were William J. Birmingham of Arlington, Robert E. Terrill of East Hampton, Conn., Norma M. Walker of Cumberland, R.I., James R. Savage, principal of Junior High School North in Norwood, Vernon R. Wyland of Penfield, N.Y., and Armand A. Fusco of Enfield, Conn.

The semifinalists’ scores were as follows: William J. Birmingham with 636 points, Robert E. Terrill with 622 points, Norma M. Walker with 592 points, James R. Savage with 584 points, Vernon R. Wyland with 574 points, and Armand A. Fusco with 578 points. The committee tentatively scheduled interviews for the six semifinalists on August 3, 4, and 5, with two interviews planned each night at the Willett School administration building.

Chairman Joseph M. Pentowski stated that the top two candidates should be selected from among the six semifinalists by the second or third week in August, with a new superintendent chosen possibly by early September. The job’s salary range was $40,000 to $45,000, and Superintendent Louis J. Taris would continue to head the schools on a month-to-month basis until his successor was chosen.

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

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Norwood Scrapbook-August 3

A comprehensive daily compilation of historical news from Norwood, Massachusetts on August 3. Featuring stories of town planning, public safety efforts, regional transportation, local achievements, and community concert traditions.
12 Vernon Street – The Joel Metcalf Baker House

Joel M. Baker bought this house lot in 1854 from Joseph Day. It contained about a third of an acre and ran from Washington Street up the hill to Bullard Street. Baker built had local architect/builder, Tyler Thayer construct this Italianate style house in 1855. This house originally sat on the corner of Vernon &…
Norwood High Opens Communications Through TV-December 1, 1991

Course provides on-air education from school studio NORWOOD-At 7:30 a.m. Katy Kale, a high school senior, pasted on a smile, folded her hands, looked straight into the camera and said, “Good morning and welcome to Norwood High School News.” For the last four years, Norwood students have been learning what it takes to be a…
Norwood Schools Get Backing for Cable TV-July 24, 1991

The Norwood School Committee unanimously voted to pursue a $530,000 federal Even Start grant utilizing cable television to expand early childhood education for Norwood and Westwood.
Search for Superintendent Stirs Conflict on Committee-July 24, 1991

The Norwood School Committee engaged in a tense debate over expanding the superintendent search committee to include PTA representation and broader community voices.
Norwood High School Implements Total Smoking Ban-July 3, 1985

In July 1985, the Norwood School Committee unanimously approved a total smoking ban at Norwood High School to begin in September, prioritizing the health of its students.
Gormley Named Norwood Ice Coach-June 25, 1984

Former BC High and Stoughton Mentor Tapped to Succeed Alvin Crowell at High School Helm James Gormley, former head hockey coach at Boston College High School and Stoughton High School, has been appointed head hockey coach at Norwood High School. James Gormley, who lives in Norwood, was previously a Norwood freshman-jayvee hockey coach, marking a…
SNCARC Wins School Committee Support to Operate at Former Willett School Building-July 29, 1982

The Norwood School Committee supported SNCARC’s plan to lease space at the former Willett School building on Westover Parkway for a 12-town habilitation center.
Peabody School Graduates Told Of Obligation To Support Education-June 25, 1982

School officials emphasize community obligations and moral commitments to public education during exercises at Junior High School South.
Students Take Reins For Town Government Day-June 9, 1981

School Committee Pledges Paint And Textbook Inventory To Student Delegates The utilitarian gray paint covering the walls of the Norwood High School cafeteria may soon be replaced with student-designed artwork following a successful session of the annual town student government day . High school students who were elected by their sophomore and junior peers to…