Students, Citizens Rally at School Committee to Speak Out Against Budget Cuts

Norwood students, parents, alumni, employees, and citizens participated in a public forum at Wednesday night's School Committee meeting that took over three hours.

The topic was the fiscal year 2013 budget for Norwood public schools, and the near $2 million in proposed cuts.

"I know it's going to be lengthy, but it's worthwhile," School Committee Chair Paul Samargedlis said at the start of the meeting.

Hours of speakers followed, singing the praises of the drama, music, foreign language, TV, and other departments threatened by the reductions.

Nick Martin, a senior and music student at Norwood High School, said he spoke in front of the board the previous year on cuts, and urged board to attend upcoming concerts to understand the quality of the program.

Other students spoke on behalf of the Latin program, highlighting higher SAT scores and increased college prospects among language students.

Megan McCarthy, a sophomore at Norwood High School, said the cuts would be felt far into the future.

"By making these heartbreaking cuts you are setting up chain reactions and not letting students reach their full potential," she said.

Jonathan Cardoni, founder of Norwood on Film and New Prospect Players - programs he said he got into because of his son's involvement in the school's music and drama programs - highlighted the new facilities that would go without use.

"We have a jewel of a new high school and that jewel's going to sit in the mud if we lose what we have here already," he said.

Cynthia Derrane, Norwood High School's foreign language chair, and NHS faculty for 20 years, noted the strong role languages play in the success of students in a globalized world.

"It doesn't matter what area you're talking about," she said. "It impacts all of us in a very, very negative way."

NPA-TV's Ryan Walker said that although he didn't grow up in Norwood, he's come to love the town. However, he said, he's expecting a baby soon and the prospect of such cuts to the school system have him concerned.

"I wouldn't move to Norwood now," he said.

Samargedlis spoke for the Committee, reminding the crowd that they are working hard to maintain the quality of Norwood's schools.

"This School Committee is not happy with the decisions we have to make...." he said.

"Make no mistake, we are trying hard."

Further information on the budget cuts is available on the Norwood Public Schools website. Check back with for more on the School Committee's budget decisions.