The State Budget and Control Board approved Tuesday building a 400-bed dormitory at Greenville Technical College.

The up to $20 million project is being built by the school’s foundation, and some board members said two-year colleges shouldn’t be in the housing business.

Gov. Mark Sanford, who opposed the plan, said the dorm would compete with private renters. “This is a substantial overhaul to what has been the traditional niche” for tech schools, he said. “This is how we get backwards in terms of state policy.”

However, the proposal passed by a 3-2 vote.

Greenville Tech officials say the dorm is needed for out-of-area students attracted by its new automotive program and partnerships with four-year colleges.

The only other tech college to provide housing is Denmark Technical College, founded as a trade school for black students.

HILTON HEAD

• Cardiologist ordered to stop practicing

A court has ordered a cardiologist to stop practicing medicine until he completes an alcohol abuse treatment program, three years after he was disciplined because of a substance abuse problem.

Dr. James D. Johnston and the state Board of Medical Examiners reached the settlement after “several hours of testimony” during a closed hearing on Oct. 29, the state Administrative Law Court said in an order issued Friday.

Johnston’s license has been suspended at least twice in the past — in 2001 and earlier this year — by the medical board, which cited a substance abuse problem. The Hilton Head Regional Medical Center, where Johnston worked, barred him from practice there last month.

The settlement disclosed by the court allows Johnston to continue doing administrative work, including dictation and documentation involving patients he saw before Oct. 29, but he can’t see any patients until the medical board clears him to do so. It also requires him to enroll in an inpatient alcohol treatment program in Atlanta or give up his license to practice by Jan. 1, 2005.

The court order says Johnston may not practice medicine in South Carolina until the medical board decides that he can.

MOUNT PLEASANT

• Teacher recognized in national program

Charleston County School District special education teacher Carol Olney has been named the National Teacher of the Year in Wal-Mart’s ninth annual Teacher of the Year program.

The distinction earns her school, Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary, a $25,000 grant from Wal-Mart and SAM’S CLUB in addition to the $11,000 it has already received for Olney’s selection as Wal-Mart’s local and state winner in this year’s competition. Olney was honored during a special ceremony Tuesday.

In October, Wal-Mart announced the 51 state winners (including one from Puerto Rico) selected by Phi Delta Kappa International educational association.

Contributing: Staff writers Jeff Stensland and The Associated Press