JACKSON -- Dr. Ron Anderson, incoming superintendent of Jackson schools, ended a two-day visit to the district by attending a Board of Education meeting Tuesday night.

Anderson's visit was designed to get him acquainted with staff, students and the community. Besides visiting with faculty and administrators Monday and Tuesday, he also attended a Rotary Club luncheon and was the featured guest at a Community Teachers Association public forum.

"I'm just getting used to the community and trying to get around to meet people," said Anderson. "I've seen some challenges, but I think the key is to keep the positive things that are going on moving forward."

Anderson, who was formerly superintendent of Liberty School District near Kansas City, was hired in January and will assume his new duties July 1. He has agreed to a three-year contract for an annual salary of $98,500.

He replaces Dr. Howard Jones, who announced his retirement in October.

CTA president David Wells said staff are hoping Anderson will help the district handle issues associated with its rapid growth. Because he was superintendent of Liberty schools during a similar growth spurt, it is believed he will be knowledgeable about many of the challenges the district faces, he said.

"In a community like Jackson that's growing like we are, we're in constant change," Wells said. "There's plans in the works now for more expansion, and from what we can find out about Dr. Anderson, he's been involved in building projects and expansion, and we think that could benefit us."

Anderson, a former business teacher, currently works as a consultant with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. He resigned in June 1998 from Liberty School District after serving 14 years as superintendent. He also had served four years each as superintendent of Gretna public schools and assistant superintendent of York public schools in Nebraska.

He said he is "not much to move" and expects to have a long career as superintendent of Jackson schools.

"I'm not much to move, so if the experience is like I think it will be I plan to be here a while," he said.