Despite ongoing construction challenges and labor disputes, the new Junior High South educational complex in Norwood remains on track for its scheduled September opening.
According to School Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley, the “core” of the $4.5 million project—which includes the essential classrooms, administrative offices, and the auditorium—is expected to be fully operational in time for the start of the school year. Charles Worthington, the project’s clerk of the works, and Theodore J. Beaudet, the construction chief, confirmed that progress is sufficient to meet this goal. However, other portions of the facility, specifically the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and the industrial arts area, face a less certain timeline. Dr. Coakley indicated that he has yet to receive a definitive completion date for these auxiliary spaces from the general contractor, Rocheford Construction Co., Inc. of Natick.
The project, which saw its groundbreaking in October 1972 as a replacement for the aging Washington Street Junior High South, has been managed by the architects Korslund, LeNormand & Quann. John J. Egan, chairman of the Permanent Building Construction Committee, noted that while the project has experienced setbacks, it remains “well within the budget” originally established for construction. Addressing the delays, Dr. Coakley cited a previous carpenters’ strike as a primary factor, while Mr. Egan pointed to current labor strikes involving both painters and ironworkers as ongoing hurdles. Additional complications included the necessity of installing coil walls in the gymnasium, which delayed roof progress. Mr. Egan scheduled a follow-up committee meeting for the week of July 08, 1974, to conduct a more in-depth assessment of the construction schedule, which officially maintains a target completion date of September 1.
In addition to construction logistics, the committee is overseeing site improvements, including the installation of a fence along the rear of the school property situated at the corner of Washington and Mylod streets. The placement of this perimeter had been postponed due to revised plans submitted by the school board that incorporated a new running track into the field area. These specifications are currently awaiting final approval from the state School Building Assistance Bureau (SBAB). Furthermore, the committee has been forced to address damage caused by individuals driving vehicles onto the school’s playing fields, a recurring issue that necessitated the fencing plan. As the town nears the opening date, the Permanent Building Construction Committee continues to monitor the site closely to ensure the facility meets the needs of Norwood’s students.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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