South School gym named for Albert Prior
Published on March 20th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA — Praise of Prior
It was an easy decision with unanimous approval from the School Committee on Thursday night as Committee members voted to honor a man whose selfless efforts have already touched hundreds of school children and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Long time Stoneham resident Albert Prior will forever be remembered for his work on the elementary school rebuilding project. While both the new South and Central Schools have been built based in part on Prior’s expertise and hard work, the South School will have a lasting memorial to Prior. The School Committee voted in favor of dedicating that school’s gymnasium in honor of Prior, whose own children attended the Summer Street school.
An original member of the School Building Committee (SBC), Prior died suddenly last year and, according to SBC Chairman Dan Hogan, Prior’s knowledge and presence will be greatly missed. Hogan referred to his friend as a very loyal member of the SBC.
“We feel the loss of Al a great deal on the Committee,” said Hogan.
By profession, Prior was an electrical engineer, and his knowledge and experience in that trade was crucial to the school projects.
“This is a very fitting tribute to Al,” SBC member Tom Barry said.
School Committee Chairman Marie Christie also worked with Prior on the SBC and said it was not unusual for Prior to send the architect back three or four times if he was not completely satisfied with what was produced.
“He was just such a detailed person. He fought for every penny... He will be truly missed on these next two schools.”
School Committee member Marc Grimaldi praised Prior’s drive, hard work and tenacity, adding that Prior did not do things for recognition, “but because they were right or in the community’s best interests.”
Christie and Hogan will work on the particulars of a dedication ceremony.
Grading the Superintendent
School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Connelly lent a hand to the School Committee as it prepares for its annual evaluation of the Superintendent.
Connelly highlighted some of his accomplishments of the past year, including his educational leadership. Connelly reminded the Committee that along with the ongoing elementary school construction projects, the various personnel searches, Town Meetings, and more, the school system continues to do the job day in, day out. This is reflected in part in the system’s high MCAS scores and the perception of the Stoneham school system to the outside.
In addition, Connelly stated that two of his biggest priorities have been keeping the School Committee fully informed on what is going on in the system and maintaining positive relationships with town officials.
But he is most proud of the successful personnel searches of the past year. Connelly said that these focused searches, including those for an Assistant Superintendent, High School Assistant Principal, Acting South School Principal and Colonial Park Principal, have yielded quality people for Stoneham.
His “child centered attitude” is what he continues to foster in the Stoneham public schools.
Christie and Grimaldi are scheduled to compile each Committee member’s evaluation of the Superintendent into one composite evaluation and present it publicly at the March 28 meeting.
Following last week’s Town Meeting approval of $6 million more for the school building project, Thursday’s meeting opened with signing of contracts for the Robin Hood and Colonial Park schools to get those projects underway.
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