Coach says Beverly won't cut athletics
Reports that Beverly Superintendent of Schools James Hayes presented the school board with an ultimatum to cut sports or accept his plan to redistrict schools were overblown, according to the high school's varsity football coach, Dan Bauer.
While the possibility of cutting athletics was part of Hayes's original conversation with the School Committee - among a number of suggestions for a school system facing a $2.6 million shortfall - Bauer said Hayes wants to preserve sports.
"They were brainstorming, looking for ways they could save the money," said Bauer, an assistant principal at the high school. "But that wasn't a formal plan that was presented to the city."
The actual alternative is a vote on June 3 as to whether to override Proposition 2 1/2, the state's tax-limit law. More than 2,600 signatures reportedly had been shown to town councilors supporting the override, which would keep schools open, save jobs, and maintain athletics.
But Bauer said athletics were not necessarily in serious jeopardy. Several districts have faced the possibility of cutting sports, including Triton, Winthrop, and, most recently, Stoneham.
"Never has there been anything discussed about cutting any [athletic] programs," Bauer said. "They want to preserve the programs and not do that. Was that discussed in the sense that things were talked about? I think it was, but nothing firm. So, in terms of the seriousness, it's not like saying, 'Hey, listen, we're going to cut everything and you guys are going to have to figure it out.' "
Doug Woodworth decided to step down last week after 14 seasons, the last of which saw him lead a surprise team to the semifinals of the Division 4 North tournament. Gallagher said he'd follow the typical protocol, posting the job internally and externally and looking at the best candidates. Woodworth already has endorsed his junior varsity coach, Alan LaRoche, as his successor.
"The success of our basketball team has been so strong that we obviously want to find the best guy out there," Gallagher said. "Alan's been an outstanding coach for us. He's a student of the game of basketball and I think he's done a fabulous job."
Woodworth stepped down to spend more time with his children, the same reason he retired from coaching the softball team a few years ago before returning to the field last season. Woodworth hasn't ruled out the possibility of returning in the future. His 182 victories are the most in school history and he won a state title in 2006.
"I told Doug I understand wholeheartedly his decision," Gallagher said. "But we are going to miss him. What he's done for Ipswich basketball over the last 14 years is unprecedented." 