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May 28, 2009

Thompson named new assistant principal for MHS

MARY MEAUX

PORT ARTHUR — A familiar face will return to Port Arthur ISD.

Luther Thompson, who once served in the district at Lee Elementary and Wilson Middle School, was hired to serve as assistant principal at Memorial High School.

Board trustees unanimously approved the hiring of Thompson during Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Superintendent Johnny Brown said Thompson has also worked as a director at a charter school in Texas and most recently worked as a personal consultant.

Thompson was not present at the meeting.

In other business, architects from several firms presented bond updates on work on the former Wilson Middle School and new construction for Staff Sergeant Lucien Adams Elementary and Booker T. Washington Elementary schools.

Land is being cleared for Adams Elementary at Ninth Avenue and 57th Street for the school that will hold about 600 students.

Construction of Washington Elementary is schedule to be completed in the summer of 2010. A dirt pad is already in place and the retention pond dug, John Polk with Daniels Building and Construction, said.

Terry Smith, founder and president of Smith and Company Architects, presented information regarding renovations to the former Wilson school.

Plans are on the drawing board to demolish the west and east wings of the 80 plus year old school, he said.

Through artists renderings, Smith brought the school board on a trip into the buildings future; restore windows to a historical design, create a ticket booth and concession stand and bring back the historical light fixtures.

While keeping with the history of the building, Smith proposes to bring modern decoration into the blend.

Once completed, the former Wilson school will become the PAISD School for Visual and Performing Arts.

Clarence Grier, investment professional working with the district, gave the board good news — a $75 million bond was sold and delivered, he said.

“Bonds are in hand and we’re ready to go forward with construction,” he added.

mmeaux@panews.com

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