by Laurel | April 2nd, 2014
02 Apr 1905
James J O’Donnell
O’Donnell Out, Gorman Chairman
Interesting Developments in Holyoke School Situation —
Election of O’Donnell as Superintendent Expected Tomorrow Night.
Two unexpected developments in the famous school situation at Holyoke arose at a special meeting of the school board held in the office of the superintendent of schools yesterday afternoon at 2. The meeting was called to order by Chairman J. J. O’Donnell with the full committee in attendance. Chairman O’Donnell announced the object of the meeting and immediately tendered his resignation. Mr. Kirkpatrick moved the election of Mr. McTigue as temporary chairman, and it was carried. Mr. McTigue stepped to the president’s chair and read the resignation of Mr. O’Donnell. A motion to accept it was carried, and then Mr. Sullivan moved the election of a permanent chairman. This was an unexpected development, and on the roll call by Secretary Nash seven of the members voted for E. J. Goman, he himself voting for Mr. Charest.
As Mr. Gorman assumed the duties of the chair Superintendent Nash handed him the following communication —
To the School Committee of Holyoke–
I respectfully request that my name be not considered as a candidate for re-election to the office of secretary and superintendent. I wish at this time to acknowledge the support and confidence which has been shown me by the school committee for six years past. I shall always feel a very warm interest and the strongest possible good wished for the success and prosperity of our schools and our teachers,
Louis P. Nash.
A motion to receive the communication was carried, and the board then adjourned. The next meeting of the board will be held tomorrow evening at 8, at which time it is expected ex-Chairman O’Donnell of the school board will be elected superintendent of schools.
Adapted from The Springfield Republican.
