Bradshaw out as QHS Pommers coach

QUINCY — The Quincy School Board opted not to renew the contract of long time Quincy High School pommers coach Debby Bradshaw.

Bradshaw spoke at Wednesday night’s School Board meeting and asked members not to follow the recommendation by QPS administration to not renew Bradshaw’s contract.

Bradshaw said she wanted to stay on because she is a member of the Illinois Dance Team Association Board of Directors. She has been the coach of the “Q-City Pommers” for more than 40 years. She spoke to the board during the public comment portion of the meeting and talked about her years of service and the young women she has worked with during that time.

“I’ve coached since the 1978-1979 coached 350-375 girls, many of whom have gone on to compete in college and professionally,” she said.

Three people spoke in support of her retention and one person, a parent of a current pom squad member, spoke in support of her removal. No person offered any specifics one way or the other.

Bradshaw and her supporters went back to meet with school board members, administrators and attorneys during the closed session portion of the meeting and afterwards, board members voted to uphold staff recommendations, which included the non-renewal of Bradshaw’s contract.

A post on the social media platform “Reddit” said: “QPS board voted tonight to terminate Debby Bradshaw after 40 years of back-breaking service. A loved Pom coach that did anything and everything for her students. QHS) Principal (Jody) Steinke had brought allegations against Mrs. Bradshaw that led to this decision, but said allegations had no investigation.”

The District doesn’t comment on personnel decisions.