Officials are stepping up efforts to include a replica of the high school's facade in the design of the proposed new building.
School Committee Chairman Paul Samargedlis said yesterday he believes the facade, complete with the signature clock tower and a series of large pillars flanking the front door, can be tacked onto the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School design. The Massachusetts School Building Authority is offering the Whitman facility's design as a model for Norwood's new school.
The committee this week unveiled an artist's rendering depicting the front of the Whitman-Hanson school with the Greek pillars and clock tower that adorn the front of Norwood High.
"I think it looks great," said Samargedlis. "I think this is something people are looking for."
He said town officials are talking with the building authority about the facade and he believes one like Norwood High's existing front can be constructed without adding cost.
Samargedlis said the Whitman-Hanson design has features unique to that district's two towns on the front of the building.
"Obviously, those won't be part of the Norwood design, so I think we can take those out and add the pillars and clock tower, which are part of our community, at no net cost," said Samargedlis.
Samargedlis said the building authority still has to agree, but he said he's pleased that the authority brass is listening.
High School Working Group Chairman Dick Kief, also a School Committee member, said the idea is short on specifics now, but he's hopeful it can be realized.
"Nothing's been voted on yet and we don't have any prices at this point," said Kief.
But Kief said the working group is committed to trying to put Norwood's stamp on the Whitman-Hanson design.
"I think this (rendering) shows the message that we're trying to keep some historic value in the building," said Kief.
"The biggest thing is that we're listening to the community," said Samargedlis. "We know these things are important to the town and the taxpayers and we're trying to accommodate that."
Samargedlis said discussions with the authority are also ongoing regarding the athletic fields that would have to be relocated if a new school is built behind the existing one on Nichols Street.
Town officials believe there will be room behind the proposed new school for a new football field and field hockey surface, but not enough for the existing baseball field.
Town officials are also trying to determine how much the authority is willing to spend on the fields.
Interim school Superintendent John Moretti said the fields are a very important aspect of the high school not only for athletic teams, but also for the physical education curriculum.
"I look at it as a physical education laboratory, not just fields," said Moretti. "In my mind, it's a teaching station."
"The fields question is something where we still need more answers," said Samargedlis.
Daily News staff writer Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bfalla@cnc.com.
