Former Brookhaven School District Athletic Director and FootballCoach Andrew Hickman, whose contract was not renewed for the newschool year, is appealing his dismissal to Lincoln County ChanceryCourt.

Following a due process hearing and final school board decisionMay 30, Hickman filed a notice of appeal Tuesday against thedistrict’s board of trustees.

The notice said, “The record evidence clearly shows that theschool board’s decision was unlawful because it was:

* not a proper employment decision;

* not based upon a valid educational reason;

* not in compliance with school district personnel policies;

* not supported by any substantial evidence;

* arbitrary and/or capricious; and/or

* in violation of the statutory or constitutional rights of Mr.Hickman.”

Brookhaven School District Superintendent Dr. Sam Bounds had notseen the Hickman notice when questioned about it Wednesdayafternoon. He referred a request for comment to school boardattorney Bob Allen, who was out of town and unavailable.

Stephen Carmody, Hickman’s attorney, did not immediately returna call Thursday morning.

No hearing dates have been set in the case, chancery courtofficials said.

Hickman’s appeal is the latest in a series of events that beganafter the school board voted 3-2 in April to not renew hiscontract. School board members Amy Valentine and Dr. Prentiss castdissenting votes in the April action.

Following an appearance to present his side of the issues at asubsequent board meeting, Hickman requested a due process hearingbefore the school board.

A three-day hearing was held at the end of May. At itsconclusion, the school board voted unanimously to uphold Bounds’recommendation to not renew Hickman’s contract.