HAUSER —  Overseeing a small charter school in a rural area might not seem like the ideal next move for a big city educator.

But that’s precisely what Bill Anderson was looking for. The 49-year-old took the reins at The Lighthouse School this month. With only a few weeks behind him, the new school director said he’s already working to develop relationships with Lighthouse staff before little feet begin to tread the school’s halls. As a “situation leader,” he plans to soak in the dynamics of the school before setting official goals.

“That’s kind of been keeping me busy,” Anderson said at the Hauser campus on Friday. “I think it’s important to build relationships with the kids and to be involved.”

Anderson replaced director Bruce Steele, who resigned after one year at Lighthouse due to health problems. The school’s board of directors received about six candidates for the position before choosing Anderson, said board member and former director Alane Jennings. She said he has a strong background in teacher mentoring and experience integrating arts and music into curriculum.

“We thought he’d make a great leader,” Jennings said. “He just seemed like a really good fit for us.”

As a past director of the seven-year-old school, Jennings said Anderson will have to be flexible to deal with issues as they unfold. One challenge will include renewing a contract with the North Bend School District. She said this process happens every three or four years, but was unsure what changes the board will seek at this point.

Jennings noted that Anderson will receive a salary of about $63,000 annually.

“I’m expecting him to face challenges that will require him to be quick on his feet,” Jennings said. “You just never know. Every day is different when you’re the director of a school.”

Most recently an assistant principal at a private school in the Chicago area, Anderson said he decided to apply for the job at the K-8 charter school because he agreed with its philosophy of educating the whole child, as well as its focus on the arts. Anderson has special ties to the arts through years as an art specialist. He also wrote drama curriculum for schools.

“I was fairly impressed with the school,” Anderson said. “(The arts are) something that deepens children’s understanding.”

He also was pleased to receive a report on Lighthouse’s Adequate Yearly Progress that showed it met federal standards. He hopes to continue on that trend and increase student learning.

“It just shows we are meeting expectations,” Anderson said.

Although he’s worked and lived in larger communities, Anderson said the size here doesn’t phase him. In fact, he was seeking a job in a more rural area and he’s worked at schools with comparable student bodies. Besides, he likes outdoors activities and that’s one thing the Bay Area offers.

“I won’t have to drive to South Dakota anymore to go hiking or camping,” Anderson said.

Since taking the job, Anderson said he’s been working to get a feel for the school, its curriculum and the community — something he plans to do for some time before making any specific plans for Lighthouse’s future.

“I think I’m going to take it as it comes,” Anderson said.

The educator holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, a master of arts degree in speech arts and educational theatre, and a post-graduate degree in educational leadership and administration. He said he also has been pursuing a doctorate, but may put that on hold for his new position.

“I have a feeling I’m going to be pretty busy,” Anderson said. “I want to give my attention to this.”