An announcement was made today about the absence of the interim Superintendent ot Schools Dr. Lawrene Tihen. It was released by Joseph Donzelli, a spokesman for the Lee County School System.

The statement follows:

“Currently, Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lawrence Tihen is utilizing vacation leave to address a family issue. He is taking things one day at a time. As of now, Dr. Tihen has not come to any decision to take an extended leave of absence or to resign from his current position with the District.

“Dr. Tihen has designated Dr. Gregory Adkins, the District’s chief human resources officer, to perform the duties of interim superintendent in his absence.

“Given Dr. Tihen’s more than 30 years of dedication and service to Lee County Public Schools, coupled with his impeccable work ethic, no decision or announcement on any future employment changes would be made without his consultation with school board members.

“Dr. Tihen respectfully requests that he be given time to be with his family and asks that media respect his privacy at this time.”