Anson High School's new principal will be Charles "Chad" Murphy and he will assume his duties later this spring, according to a statement from superintendent Greg Firn's office.

The Anson County Board of Education approved the hire Monday.

"Mr. Murphy brings to Anson County and Anson High School nine years of teaching and administrative experience in both a large high school setting and an alternative learning environment serving students of diverse learning and social needs," Firn said in the statement.

"I am excited to be here at Anson High School and look forward to working with all teachers, students and community members to ensure that Anson High School is the best high school in America," Murphy said in the statement.

Murphy most recently served as an assistant principal for three years at Catawba Valley High School, an alternative school in Catawba County.

Murphy was one of 31 applicants for the position. Two other potential hires, along with Murphy, made appearances before students, faculty, staff and local citizens and parents in question-and-answer sessions that helped determine the final candidate.

He previously taught English, coached soccer and also served for two years as an assistant principal at Hickory High School.

He graduated from Adirondack Community College in Glenn Falls, N.Y., and received a degree in secondary education with a focus in English from Plattsburgh State University. Murphy recently earned a master's degree in school administration from Appalachian State University.

In the question-and-answer session with parents and other citizens, he described his rural background as an asset.

"Nothing happens overnight," he said at the meeting, when asked about the problem of dropouts.

The other two candidates at the meeting were Tonya Price, an assistant principal from Hillside High School in Durham, and Clifford Owens, a middle school alternative school principal.

Former principal George Boothby's retirement was announced Nov. 24, 2008.