Superintendent Greg Firn and seven other administrators have taken on the task of improving Anson High School's discipline, academics and general atmosphere.

These employees spend at least part of each week at the high school in what is part of a long-term plan to improve the school.

The other administrators besides Firn spend much of their time in classrooms observing teachers and when necessary, interacting with students.

The process began three weeks ago. Currently, there is a three-step plan in place, Firn said.

There are five expectations that must be made clear to students: attendance, academics, dress, language and behavior.

The first phase is expected to last six to nine weeks.

The other phases will address several issues, one of which is the identification of students who struggle academically and manifest this in their behavior.

"We will work with parents and guidance staff to create a learning environment where they will be successful," he said. He said this environment may not be at Anson High School.

Administrators also want to develop a plan to assist students who are three or more years behind in their reading skills.

Firn expects the second phase of the plan to last roughly six months and will outline it in more detail at the January board of education meeting.

The third phase will last from three to nine months.

The school system will also begin searching for a replacement for George Boothby, the principal of Anson High School, who will retire at the end of the 2008-2009 school year, in January.

Firn said he hopes to have hired a replacement in the spring and will also take steps to ensure there is interim leadership if necessary.

jallen@ansonrecord.com