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
More…
-
Taxpayers Sue to Restore School Budget-July 6, 1978
Seeking to prevent a mid-summer school closure, 36 Norwood taxpayers filed a lawsuit in 1978 to restore $600,000 in education funding.
-
Norwood Zeroes In On School Vandals-August 3, 1977
A newly formed blue‑ribbon security committee convened to confront a surge of costly vandalism at Norwood’s public schools. Members reviewed structural, technological, and community‑based deterrents while assigning formal research duties for a comprehensive townwide response.
-
Norwood School Committee Seeks Field Trip Funds and Awards Bus Transportation Contracts-July 29, 1976
Facing budget cuts that eliminated student field trips, the Norwood School Committee voted to appeal to the Finance Commission and special town meeting for restoration funds.
-
Norwood Board Rejects Blue Hills Collaborative-July 29, 1976
The summer of 1976 was a time of great change and uncertainty for the town of Norwood, Massachusetts. As the nation celebrated its bicentennial, local residents were grappling with issues of education, finance, and community involvement. One such issue that dominated the headlines in July 1976 was the proposed Blue Hills Collaborative, a vocational school…
-
Norwood School Committee Approves Balch School Remedial Class and Eight-Period High School Day-July 31, 1975
The Norwood School Committee approved a pilot transitional first grade and modified kindergarten at Balch School to address kindergarten screening results and language needs.
-
School Committee Approves Shortened High School Day Format-July 16, 1975
The school committee of Norwood last night all but formally approved a switch to a shorter, eight-period day for the high school. The decision was made in response to a request from absent member Richard Joseph, who asked that the board defer its official vote on the plan until its next regular meeting in two…
-
Youth Enriched at Summer School-August 13, 1974
Directing over 600 local students, Norwood’s public summer school program completed its 30-day session, highlighting strong popularity for enrichment classes in arts and trades alongside vital remedial and special education tutoring.
-
Norwood School Committee Votes to Relocate School Administration Offices-August 1, 1974
The Norwood School Committee voted 5-2 to relocate central school administration offices to the Winslow School, pending cost estimates from Superintendent Philip O. Coakley.
-
Uncertainty Looms Over Norwood Junior High South Opening Date-July 12, 1974
After three years of double sessions following a 1971 fire, Norwood officials faced the possibility of further delays for the new Junior High South.
-
Unfinished Junior High To Open On Schedule-July 8, 1974
Discover the construction history of the $4.5 million Junior High South project in 1974, detailing the challenges faced during the transition from the old Washington Street school.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.