Hickman’s fate now in hands of school board
Published 5:00 am Friday, May 17, 2002
A decision on the fate of Brookhaven High School AthleticDirector and Head Football Coach Andrew Hickman could come withinthe next two weeks, according to district officials.
A due process hearing about the board’s April decision not torenew Hickman’s contract was conducted this week. The hearingconcluded around 4 p.m. Thursday.
“We finished all the testimony and now we’re waiting on thehearing officer to make her report,” said Brookhaven School BoardAttorney Bob Allen.
Attorney Pam Wescovich will compile a synopsis of the three-dayhearing. Her report, along with transcripts from the hearing, isexpected to be sent to school board members for review beforeWednesday.
“By law the board has 30 days to make a decision,” said Allen.”They will either make a decision at the next board meeting or ifthey’re prepared earlier, they can call a special meeting.”
The next board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., May 28, in thecentral office conference room. Board members may also opt toreview the documents longer and make a decision at a later date,said Allen.
Whenever the board holds a meeting to discuss the situation,closing statements may be given by Hickman’s lawyer and Allen.
“Each side’s lawyer will get a certain period of time to addressthe board, usually about 10 minutes,” said Allen.
Allen was not certain, but he believes that part of the meetingwill not be open to the public.
“If the hearing is closed, which it was, then generally thatpart is closed, too,” he said.
However, the board’s vote will be public and their decision willbe public record and recorded in the minutes of the meeting.