PORT TOWNSEND – The Port Townsend School Board approved medical leave to high school athletic director Russ Hickman at Monday’s board meeting, assistant principal Tom Kent said.
Kent said that the leave would last through the end of the school year.
Hickman declined to comment on his physical condition.
“I’ve got a couple of things going on right now, so I haven’t got to the bottom of it yet,” Hickman said. “When I get a chance to get through this I will make a statement.”
Hickman had been calling in sick recently, according to Kent, and eventually visited with principal Carrie Ehrhardt last week to discuss his illness.
He also visited with Kent, who said he learned of the situation last week and attended an Olympic League meeting in Hickman’s stead last Thursday.
“It took us by surprise,” Kent said. “I don’t know the extent of his illness, but it’s enough that he’s not able to come back to school.
“He’s a very dedicated educator. We wish him well and hope he gets better soon. We hope he comes back.”
Kent, principal Ehrhardt and several faculty members will assume Hickman’s duties – which included two U.S. History classes and a physical education course – on an interim basis during that period.
Hickman also served as a co-Associated Student Body advisor with Kathy Cavette.
“Right now we’re trying to do the duties that Russ did so well for so many years,” Kent said. “It’s a big job.
“And while [Ehrhardt] is doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff, there are a lot of people who are also picking it up to make this work.”
