BY ERIK FLYNN

Someone is watching the students of Mariemont High School.

A seasoned veteran of the public education system, a veteran who has heard it all before.

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“There will be chaos,” senior Matt Stewart predicts.

“We are going to run wild,” said Emery Cowart, also a senior.

After 32 years of service to the school, will the retirement of Vice Principal Tom Crosby usher in an era of anarchy in the halls of MHS?

Crosby, the head of discipline for the school has long been the force to quell the students.

“Crosby keeps us all somewhat under control. Like at lunch, my table and the guys’ table go at it every day and he kindly calms us down and has fun with us,” Cowart said.

But deep in the bowels of the main office, someone is working to take the seat as the vice principal, and maintain law and order in the halls of the school.

Her name is Mrs. Kathy Ryan, and she has been watching you.

Ryan, who for the past two and a half years has worked as the district liaison for the district’s building projects is now slated to take over for Crosby after he leaves the high school on December 20th.

“I’ve known (Mrs. Ryan) for a long time and knew her when she was at Wyoming and got to know her a lot better over the past few years,” said Crosby, who will still perform special assignments for the school district until he officially leaves on January 31st.

After switching offices from the Dale Park site to the high school, Ryan has spent her time observing the students of the high school with anonymity.

“That anonymity has allowed me to get to see things in the halls and classrooms with few filters,” said Ryan, who has nine years of experience as an assistant high school principal and five years as middle school principal, 15 years as a Special Education teacher, and four years as a guidance counselor. “There are not too many things or excuses I have not heard.”

Ryan is looking forward to her new role as a personal learning experience and another opportunity to connect with kids.

“I really like high school kids. I am looking forward to getting back in touch with students,” Ryan said.

As for questions about the future of discipline, Ryan is not too concerned.

“While I am sure there is a place for anarchy from time to time, I plan on the transition being fairly smooth,” Ryan said, “just don’t ask me to coach football.”