South Whidbey High School’s sports teams will be starting school without an athletic director.

John Patton, head of the school’s sports program for three years, resigned from that position last week to become a full-time physical education and health teacher. He leaves the position just as the fall sports season began this week.

According to Mike Johnson, South Whidbey High School principal, the teaching position became available when physical education teacher Louann Kelly chose to move to the Tri-Cities.

“John expressed an interest in that position and asked to be considered for it,” Johnson said. “I would like him to remain as AD, but I think he is thinking about his personal time and desire to teach.”

Patton is the fourth high school athletic director to resign in the past six years.

As a result of Patton’s decision, the district now has a position open for a part-time teacher and part-time athletic director.

Johnson said he hoped to be interviewing possible candidates by Friday.

Until the position is filled, director’s duties will be handled by Laurie Dunsmore, the athletic department’s secretary, and by Johnson. Scheduling for the coming season was complete before Patton’s resignation.

Patton could not be reached for comment at press time.

During Monday night’s South Whidbey Board of Education meeting, several residents spoke to the board in support of Patton, hoping he could be convinced to remain in the athletic director role.

As athletic director, Patton taught one physical education class with one prep period and was paid about $13,000 a year. His athletic director compensation totaled $30,6878, including a coaching stipend of $4,499.70 and $2,866.65 for extended days.

A recent study done by Assistant Superintendent Dan Blanton shows that athletic directors at other schools in the North Cascades Conference, to which South Whidbey belongs, earn less than South Whidbey’s athletic director.

Compensation at other districts include $10,159 at Mount Baker, $15,417 at Lakewood, and $18,562 at Granite Falls.

At the school board meeting, Sue Wood, a parent, said she is disappointed that the district is losing Patton as athletic director. However, she said she is glad he is staying on as a teacher.

Craig Williams, president of the South Whidbey Athletic Booster Club, said he hates to lose Patton as AD.

“John does an excellent job representing the district,” he said. “I wish any issues with him could be resolved, and he would remain.”

Jamie McNett noted the district has had a “revolving door” on the athletic director’s position.

“It has hurt our credibility in and out of the district,” he said. “John has done a good job for three years. It takes a lot of work to coordinate all of those events. He has been an excellent ambassador for our district.”