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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15 Candidates To Face League Of Women Voters-This Day in Norwood History-January 5, 1961
The Voters Service Committee of the League of Women Voters has completed plans for ‘Candidates Night which will be held Monday evening, January 9, at eight o’clock in Memorial Hall. This is an important aspect of league work and because it is a nonpartisan organization it is in this area it is best able to…
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In Memoriam- James Joseph Gormley
JAMES JOSEPH GORMLEY entered the service of the Norwood Public Schools on September 7, 1932. Until death took him from us on April 15, 1960, he devoted his life and energy to the youth of Norwood and to the school work he loved so much. Jim Gormley worked long and well for our community. As…
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Prescott School Dedication Plans Set-January 11, 1959
Special Ceremonies Planned Week Apart Plans for the formal exercises marking the dedication of Norwood’s two new elementary schools – the Cleveland and the Prescott – were announced today by the committee. Arthur B. Rodgers, chairman of the Elementary Schools Building Committee, said that the dedication of the Prescot School located off Neponset and Dean…
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Record Hop Planned at Armory-March 8, 1958
Mr. Frank Borsa, Superintendent Ready, Recreation Department, and John F. Reynolds met with the Selectmen and discussed application of Mr. Borsa, on behalf of his son, for a permit to conduct a Record Hop at the Norwood Armory. Mr. Borsa said the surrounding towns have record hop, conducted by a disc jockey and they do…
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Ponder Question Of Land For School Purposes-This Day in Norwood History-May 30, 1950
This Day in Norwood History-May 30, 1950-Ponder Question Of Land For School Purposes
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Redecorating Of School Interiors Is Recommended-February 9, 1950
Purchase Of Land For New Stands At High School Also Urged By Supt. Lynch Recommendations for the improvement of the present school plant before the town faced with the problem of new construction were advanced by School Superintendent Lincoln D. Lynch, as principal speaker at the February meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Tuesday night…
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New Play Area With Skating Rink For Senior High Grounds-This Day in Norwood History-January 12, 1950
Town meeting members will have an opportunity at the special town meeting in the spring to take action on a new play area at the Senior High School, which among other things would provide facilities for a skating rink, according to a plan suggested by School Superintendent Lincoln D. Lynch and which is looked on…
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Grade Schools To Be Closed During Storm Emergency-This Day In Norwood History-January 27, 1948
Ordered Shut Down Until Further Notice To Keep Pupils Off Streets The cancellation of school sessions for elementary grade students until further notice was ordered at the organization meeting of the School Committee, last night. The vote to close the elementary schools was the result of a motion by Committeeman John J. Cook, seconded by…
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Movement Underway Here For Public Kindergarten-This Day in Norwood History-November 7, 1946
Movement Underway Here For Public Kindergarten-This Day in Norwood History-November 7, 1946
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School Board Studies Hockey Rink For School, New Schools, Sets New Weather Policy-This Day in Norwood History-June 30, 1946
The Norwood School Committee institutes a firm new inclement weather academic policy, launches cost evaluations for a high school hockey rink, and updates educational equipment for the local schools.
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