Linda Hale is the former Superintendent of the Hatch Valley Public Schools in Hatch, NM. Prior to this, Hale served as Superintendent in Raton, NM and began an alternative HS program which served as drop out prevention and recovery. As a former principal and athletic activities director at Grants High School, Hale focused upon the issues of substance abuse and the school's high dropout rate. She also developed a program to reduce substance abuse-related suspensions, which before her tenure often lasted as long as a year. Students found in possession of illegal drugs signed contracts written by Hale, agreeing to submit to random drug testing, counseling and weekly progress reports. As a result, many continued to have "clean" drug tests; some even became honor students. Hale also implemented monthly parent meetings that became critical to student success. "The added attention seems to be the cure," said Hale. Hale also reduced gang violence on campus by identifying gang leaders, speaking with them and implementing measures to ease tensions between students.
1980 New Mexico State University Masters Degree
