Pubdate: Wed, 05 Jul 2006 Source: Lufkin Daily News (TX) Copyright: 2006 Cox Texas Newspapers, L.P. - The Lufkin Daily News Contact: http://www.lufkindailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3616 Author: Dede Boone Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) HUDSON TO EXPAND HIGH SCHOOL FACILITIES Hudson ISD trustees have given the go-ahead for an expansion project at the high school to get under way. During a special meeting held June 29, the board approved the construction, which will add seven to nine new classrooms. HISD Superintendent Mary Ann Whiteker said the addition, which is scheduled for completion next summer, will help the district handle the 3- to 6-percent growth the district is experiencing. "Right now the growth is in the lower grades, so we are preparing for the students as they move through to the high school," she said. Whiteker said the district qualified for a Qualified Zone Academy Bond loan, which is an interested-free loan for the expansion project. In addition to the upcoming construction, the Hudson board also approved the 2006-07 student code of conduct. Whiteker said there were a few updates due to changes made by the legislature as well as the expanding the random drug testing of students in grades 7 through 12 to include those students who drive vehicles onto campus or to within 300 feet of school property. Whiteker said the additional 300 feet is allowed by law and falls under the "safe school zone." And, she said in a previous report, the random drug testing will be lowered to also include seventh- and eighth-graders who participate in extracurricular activities. During the HISD regular board meeting last month, the establishment of its own police department was approved, and during the special meeting, the board hired Michael Paul Daniel as its new chief of police. Other new hires include Laurie Burton, Amber Worthy, Tammy Innerarity, Theresa Matthews, Enda Waley and Keisha Watts. The board of trustees accepted resignations from Ada Brooks, Connie Carr, Zach Johnson, Cheryl Gilchrist and Chris Nash. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman