More breaking medical news: Austin ISD Superintentent Pat Forgione checked himself into hospital on Sunday afternoon and was diagnosed with appendicitis. He’s now recovering after a laparoscopic appendectomy.

District spokesman Andy Welch knew something was up when notorious workaholic Forgione went suspiciously quiet. “Usually, you got voicemails all the time, and checking in over the weekend I hadn’t had any voicemail. I thought he must be busy.” On his way to Kerrville on Sunday, Welch heard that Forgione was heading to hospital. The procedure went well, and Forgione was up in the middle of the night, requesting documents from his sickbed.

According to AISD, he’s doing well, but will be in hospital for another day or so, and then will be home recuperating for another week. The biggest worry then will be convincing him not to carry around the two big bags of documents he always carries with. “Someone may be delegated as the official toter until he gets better,” said Welch.

Newsdesk sends our collective best.

This article appears in September 26 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.