ANDERSON PLEASED WITH FIRST SEMESTER HERE

Although he did not step into the Jackson R-2 School district at the most peaceful of times, Dr. Ron Anderson has no complaints following his first semester as superintendent of schools.

"The time has gone extremely fast from August till now," Anderson said. "It's been very enjoyable to have the opportunity to get a chance to familiarize myself with all the schools. I've visited white many of the staff members and have enjoyed various school activities."

Anderson had barely gotten situated, when controversial issues, such as student discipline, brought about a public uproar.

"In hindsight, the different issues were probably handled as well as they could have been," he said. "We want to try to meet the needs of everyone -- first of all, what's best for the students. I think everyone has that as their first principal. Sometimes patience and time help in getting where everyone needs to go."

Looking back at his first half-year on he job, Anderson labeled "The quality of our teaching staff and support personal" as the district's biggest asset.

"They have as their first priority, doing what's best for students," he said.

He also tabbed "improvement by staff development" a key to the faculty and staff's continued success.

"They do a good job planning for growth opportunity," he said, pointing to Grade level meetings in the elementary schools in November and December and a staff workshop Monday. He called Monday's workshop "a good day for everyone."

Jackson patrons' support of their schools is also a strong point, Anderson believes.

"Many Jackson traditions add stability to the community and school district," he said "The dimension of community support is certainly reflected in attendance of school activities. That's something many school districts would give anything to have.

"Overall, the community is very supportive of its schools."

The future sees continued growth and the challenges to keeping up with it. On the April ballot the R-2 District will have an $11 million bond issue to add onto the junior high, plus minor renovations and to build a new elementary school. Also on the ballot will be an increase in the district's operating levy by 40 cents, from $2.75 to $3.15.

"Our challenges are probably (finding) conditional space for students," Anderson said. "We need additional funding for operational expenses.

The district has just purchased 16.3 acres between (the extended) Main Street and Ridge. The proposed location of the new K-5 elementary school would be on Lacey Street (also to be extended), between Main Street and Bent Creek Golf Course.

Anderson is cautiously optimistic.

"I think the community has a good record for supporting facility and building because of growth," he said.

Since 1996, bond issues to build the South Elementary, Math/Science Building and the North Elementary were passed, as well as the new middle school and a multipurpose room.

He believes the R-2 voters will continue to support the school and its growth.

"I would like to have them get as informed as they can about the bond/levy proposal," Anderson said. "It reflects the growth of the community and school. It's important to deal with those issues as we move forward."