It was the first statement attributed to Roberson since he became ill Feb. 22. School spokesman Louis Svehla said in an e-mail containing the statement that it was being forwarded "at the request of Dr. Roberson."
"According to my team of doctors, I am experiencing a speedy recovery," Roberson's statement says. "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the community's continuous thoughts and prayers."
Roberson was born with an arteriovenous malformation, commonly known as AVM, but as is often the case, neither he nor the doctors became aware of it until he was taken to the hospital, complaining of severe headaches and fatigue. The symptoms were caused by brain hemorrhaging because of pressure from the AVM, an abnormal clustering of blood vessels.
The superintendent has been under medical care since Feb. 22, most of that time at Medical College of Georgia Hospital, where he was transferred after being treated at University Hospital. After nearly two days of observation and testing, he underwent emergency surgery Feb. 24 to relieve brain swelling and pressure.
He was transferred April 13 to Walton Rehabilitation Center and has been undergoing medical reviews, he said in the statement.
The school board named Deputy Superintendent James Whitson as the acting superintendent March 1. Roberson's family has said previously that he is not expected to return to work this school year. Roberson, 55, was hired in August.
