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Parents decry 'toxic' environment in girls' basketball; Berkshire Local board tables head coach renewal for Dave Alpert
Summary
Multiple parents told the Berkshire Local board they experienced a 'toxic' atmosphere under the current girls' head coach and urged the board to reconsider renewal. The board voted to table the coach's renewal until July while it reviews parent feedback and next steps.
Members of the public urged the Berkshire Local Board of Education on Monday to delay renewing the head girls' basketball coach after parents described conditioning, playing-time and morale problems they attributed to the coach's conduct.
Craig, a parent who addressed the board during public participation, said the program had persistent conditioning issues and "toxicity" that left players demoralized. He said the head coach was often absent from Sunday practices and that participants lacked consistent positive reinforcement. "For these kids who put that much time forward to get demoralized is not your motto," Craig told trustees.
Kristen Thompson read a letter written by her daughter, Hayden Thompson, saying players had repeatedly tried to offer feedback that was dismissed, that practice time was often spent repeating plays rather than on conditioning or skill development, and that playing-time decisions felt driven by seniority rather than merit. The letter said there were 12 girls across JV and varsity and urged the board to consider player development and enjoyment when deciding whether to renew a coach.
Allison Davis, another parent, summarized survey and email feedback from families, listing alleged behaviors including "aggressive behavior directed toward the players," "regular degrading remarks," micromanaging and a lack of positive reinforcement. An additional speaker said the team had worsened after the coaching change and described players returning home upset.
After hearing public comments, Superintendent John brought personnel business to the board and proposed tabling the renewal of head girls' basketball coach Dave Alpert until the next board meeting so trustees could review the parent feedback and discuss options. Trustees agreed to table the renewal and to revisit the matter in July; the board also indicated it would take the parents' emails and survey responses into consideration and speak with district staff referenced in the discussion.
The board did not take further disciplinary or contractual action at the meeting. Trustees said they would consider the feedback and decide on a final personnel action at a later date.
