MERCER, Wis. -- Mercer K-12 School opens Tuesday prepared to feed mind and body of its students.

The school has three new teachers and two new cooks on staff.

The scent of fresh paint and new carpeting, stacks of new books and a bank of new computers await inquiring minds in the new school library.

Superintendent Jeff Ehrhardt said the school gained two students, for an enrollment of 163 in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 to start the year.

New teachers are Sheri Kopka, 7-12 science; Debbie Hohner, 7-12 social studies; and Traci Pirk, K-12 music. Cheryl Gransee is head cook, with Virginia Robl as assistant.

"We're pretty excited about our new staff," Ehrhardt said.

Charter School, STEP Workers

A new school year is always exciting, said the veteran educator -- who returns for a second year in the part-time post at Mercer after retiring as longtime superintendent at Mellen.

Ehrhardt mentioned the new Mercer Environmental Tourism Charter School and projects under way in the school forest.

Sixth grade students are building a yurt in the forest. The community will get a look at forest improvements during a grand opening sometime in October.

The school will add senior citizens to its ranks this year, with the new Senior Tax Exchange and Enhancement Program.

STEP will pay seniors age 62 or older $6.50 an hour, up to a maximum of $400 per year, for working at school.

The earnings go toward the worker's property tax or rent.

Administrative assistant Lori Boltz said she had five STEP applicants interested in working in the library, reading with students and correcting papers.

She plans to ask two STEP workers to be crossing guards morning and afternoon outside the school.

There are 13 students enrolled in charter school courses, according to Ehrhardt.

He said the school had received another grant of $125,000 for the charter school in 2008-09.