Fate of Fall Sports in Air

Interim Superintendent John DeGoes holds the playbook that determines whether middle school sports will commence this fall. 

At , city manager Peter Graczykowski said he was unsure if taxpayer-funded teams will be able to hit the fields by the time school starts. The fate of middle school sports lies with newly appointed superintendent John DeGoes, he said, noting it's a decision related to school department programming. There may be funds to support the fall teams as the school Budget Commission may have only cut from the fiscal year 2013 budget, according to the meeting's discussion.

Members of the audience further pressed for a definitive answer. Jessica Beauchaine, chairman of , asked for direction as her non-profit is raising funds to support the teams. The fall sports programming is expected to cost $30,000. The city manager advised her to speak with DeGoes. 

Mayor Bruce Rogers said funding for middle school sports was not definitely cut as public outcry incentivized budget commission members to change their tune.

However, Beauchaine said Michael O'Keefe, former Budget Commission chairman, told her repeatedly that middle school sports would be cut from the budget. 

"I will fight," replied the mayor. Members of the City Council also pledged their support.

As of Wednesday, Beauchaine said DeGoes had yet to get back to her regarding the issue.