The Norwood School Department has received formal approval to relocate its central administrative offices to the former Winslow School, which has been vacant since closing the previous year. The school committee voted unanimously in favor of the move, which Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley estimates could take place as early as December.
To prepare the 68-year-old schoolhouse for its new administrative function, the committee voted to gather detailed cost estimates for necessary building improvements. Dr. Coakley noted that required upgrades—including new heating and ventilation systems, vandalism alarms, and interior alterations—can be accommodated within the current school department budget.
Property Transfer and Past Debates
Under the relocation plan, the existing school administration building on Walpole Street will be turned over to the general town government. This mirrors the transition of the former Shattuck School, which also closed in 1974 and was subsequently repurposed to house municipal offices, including headquarters for the federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program.
Mindful of past controversies, school committee member Richard W. Kief urged the board to formally affirm its intention regarding the future status of the building. “I don’t want to see a fiasco like we had with the Shattuck,” Kief remarked. The closure of Winslow School had been the focal point of heated debate at a special town meeting the prior year, when a coalition led by school committee member Joseph M. Pentowski unsuccessfully fought to retain the facility for vocational education. The school committee is scheduled to meet with the Board of Selectmen soon to finalize the transition plans.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
School Drop-In Centers Possible In Fall-June 24, 1974
Citing summer custodial constraints and a lack of air conditioning, town officials vote to survey local youths during the summer to prepare for a fall launch.
-
Public Schools Face Delays and Possible State Action on Mandatory Hot Lunch Program-August 31, 1973
Parents of elementary school students in Norwood will need to continue packing brown-bag lunches for the start of the academic year. School Superintendent Philip O. Coakley announced that the town will fail to meet the state-mandated September deadline for implementing a universal public school hot lunch program, exposing the municipality to potential legal action by…
-
Norwood High School Refines Open Campus Program in Second Year of Operation-October 2, 1972
Entering its second year, Norwood High School’s open campus system sees tighter corridor rules, sophomore restrictions, and expanded academic seminars while undergoing state-mandated evaluation.
-
Andy Scafati Recalls 40 Seasons in Athletics Ahead of Norwood Retirement-September 7, 1972
Longtime Norwood High School athletic director Andy Scafati reflects on 40 years in sports and the remarkable expansion of the town’s athletic programs as he prepares to step down.
-
School Board Reverses Vote, Keeps NorWest Woods Pupils at Oldham-August 29, 1972
In a reversal of a previous decision, the School Committee has voted to keep 46 elementary school children from the Nor-West Woods apartment complex at the Oldham School, rescinding a July 5 vote that would have transferred them to the Shattuck School. Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley explained that the committee revoted on the matter…
-
Norwood Sets $38 Tax Rate on Court-Ordered 100% Property Valuation for 1972-August 16, 1972
Announcing a 1972 tax rate of $38 per $1,000 under a court-ordered 100 percent property valuation, Assessor Chairman James J. Drummey concluded a major reassessment by Cole, Layer and Trumble.
-
Norwood Jr. High Offered Land At $9,500 An Acre-September 30, 1971
The Norwood School Committee recommends the Endean area in Walpole as the site for a new junior high school, facing sharp questioning from town meeting members over rising costs and site shifts.
-
Norwood High School Launches Innovative Open Campus Plan for Fall Term-September 8, 1971
Norwood High School opens the fall term by launching an innovative open campus and extended-day program designed by Principal John F. Monbouquette to foster student responsibility.
-
Junior High Alternate Estimates Sought-June 25, 1971
A sharp debate divides Town Manager Walter Blasenak and finance officials over mounting unappropriated architectural fees for Boston design firms.
-
Schools Face Heating Oil Shortage for Upcoming Winter, While Band Camp and Library Art Programs Make Headlines-August 6, 1970
Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley informed the Norwood School Committee that no companies submitted bids to supply 110,000 gallons of No. 5 heating oil for town schools due to quotas, shortages, and environmental regulations.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.