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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman