A school administrator broke his ribs and suffered head trauma after tumbling from a ladder at his China home, school officials said.

Peter Thiboutot, assistant superintendent for Alternative Organizational Structure 92, which includes Waterville, Winslow and Vassalboro schools, is recovering in a Portland hospital.

“He fell off a ladder,” Superintendent Eric Haley said. “Actually, he was kicked off by a limb he was cutting.”

Hale said he had driven on Saturday to Maine Medical Center in Portland to visit Thiboutot, who was resting there after the 15-foot fall happened on Friday.

“My instructions to him were to lay low and heal up,” Haley said.

Thiboutot is known throughout AOS 92 for his compassion toward the students and teaching staff, Haley said.

On Saturday, Thiboutot was in a lot of pain but in good spirits and on the path to recovery, Haley said. He described the injuries as serious but not life-threatening.

It is not known when he might be able to return to his duties, but Haley said the schools would not be affected by Thiboutot’s absence during his recovery period.

Matt Hongoltz-Hetling — 861-9287 mhhetling@centralmaine.com Twitter: @hh_matt