ANDERSON — Kevin Plew might not have been born to be superintendent of Indiana Christian Academy. It might just seem that way.

“This school opened 37 years ago and I was born three months after the school started,” Plew said. He attended and graduated from Indiana Christian, returned to teach there, and recently was named the school’s third administrator.

Walking the halls now as the school’s top official is “a little overwhelming,” he said. “It’s rewarding and exciting to think about.”

At the same time, Plew has a leg up, having been at the school as elementary supervisor last year.

“Ninety-five percent of the student body, I know their names and have talked with them personally.”

Plew replaces former administrator Bill Newton, who retired from the school after 23 years. It’s a time of transition, Plew said, with enrollment down slightly because of the economy and the school refocusing as it also enhances its classroom instruction.

“We’re really emphasizing this year our mission statement,” he said, “And that’s to love our students while challenging them academically in a Christian atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, every student in grades 1-12 will study Spanish this year and have computer classes. Each classroom will be equipped with Smart boards that can be used for video, PowerPoint presentations and other visual teaching aids.

“There’s a lot of changes we are trying to make in the next school year to make the school more exciting,” Plew said. A new committee will focus on student life, there will be a student-body council, and Plew said the school is looking into adding more field trips.

“I want our faculty to be more involved in students’ lives, I want students to enjoy being here and I want to create a sense of ownership in the school,” he said.

Plew said that with fewer students, there is more interaction between age groups at Indiana Christian, and a lower student-teacher ratio than in public schools.

“It gives us an opportunity for individual attention for students who are struggling, and for students who are excelling.”

Plew said one thing about Indiana Christian hasn’t changed.

“We want people who come through our doors to feel like family,” he said.

Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com