The letter of reprimand given to Washington Local Schools Superintendent Patrick Hickey has plenty to say about what he shouldn't do, but little to say about the accusations made against him.
The letter, released to The Blade today following a public records request, states that Mr. Hickey has shown a “repeated display of lack of judgment and inappropriate interpersonal interactions over a significant period of time.”
“The board has found that your behavior toward district staff members, including the extent and volume of your communications, were perceived as overly personal, as well as inappropriate and intentionally intimidating,” the letter reads.
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Mr. Hickey was ordered by the school board not to interact or communicate with anyone he believes has filed a complaint against him, "including staff members and board members," other than for school business. He is to avoid the appearance of impropriety or retaliation.
The board also directed him to avoid communication with staff that could be perceived as "too personal, inappropriate, forward, or flirtatious," and to not use private communication methods with staff.
If he fails to follow the directives in the letter, he could face further discipline, which includes the potential nonrenewal of his contract in 2018, or termination.
The school board issued the letter Wednesday after a two-week investigation into unspecified allegations against Mr. Hickey. Hundreds of supporters had packed board meetings in recent days while Mr. Hickey was on “vacation” but not allowed on district property.
Mr. Hickey today deferred to comments he made Wednesday evening, when he said that the letter of reprimand had nothing to do with students, had nothing to do with dishonesty, had nothing to do with financial irresponsibility, and did not involve an affair or any sexual or romantic relationship with staff or anyone else.
Social media played a key role in the drama, both galvanizing support for Mr. Hickey while spreading rampant rumors about the allegations raised against him.
Mr. Hickey said he was limited in what he could say, but that the gist of the matter was that he had a "familiar" leadership style, and that he was cautioned by the board not to get "too familiar."
Board President Thomas Ilstrup said Wednesday that the allegations against Mr. Hickey were serious and that his job had been on the line if the facts of the case had proved the allegations true. Mr. Ilstrup said at the meeting that the investigation, which was conducted by legal counsel hired by the board, would remain confidential because of attorney-client privilege.
The Blade has filed a public records request for that investigation, and is awaiting a formal response from the district.
First Published September 17, 2015, 6:53 p.m.
