When students return this fall to Ironton Junior High and Ironton High School, they will find some changes.

The school board earlier this month approved the promotion of science teacher Toby Schreck as the new principal at the junior high. The board also hired Mark Lafon as assistant principal at the high school.

Schreck will replace Jerry Watson, who retired this year as principal at the junior high. Schreck filled in as assistant principal at the high school at the end of the 2003-04 school year after Jerry Bentley resigned from that position.

"He's intelligent, he's hard working. I think he will be a real asset to the junior high," Ironton City Schools Superintendent Dean Nance said. "I feel that the working relationship he had with Mr. (Joe) Rowe (IHS principal) last year will provide the basis for a good working relationship in the coming year. I think it will also help provide continuity between the two schools."

Schreck is a graduate of

Winford High School in Bucyrus and the University of Rio Grande. He has six years experience in education at the elementary, middle and junior high school levels.

"We're excited to have Mr. Lafon," Nance said. "He brings experience and a reputation for being firm but fair."

Lafon is a graduate of Chesapeake High School and the University of Rio Grande. He has 12 years experience in education and was most recently assistant principal at South Point High School.