LEXINGTON — Less than a week after superintendent Mike Ziegelhofer announced his intent to retire from Lexington Local Schools, the school board tapped assistant superintendent Jeremy Secrist to replace him.
The board voted Tuesday to extend a formal offer for the position to Secrist, who has been with the district for nine years.
“I think it’s a good thing for the district,” said board president Bob Whitney. “He’s been a longtime administrator and he’s done a great job. I think Jeremy has learned a lot from Mr. Z.”
Secrist spent his first year with the district as junior high school principal, then spent five years as the high school principal. He’s wrapping up his third year as assistant superintendent.
In January, Secrist took over as interim principal at Eastern Elementary, following the resignation of Buddy Miller. The district’s athletic director Michael Grist will be the new principal at the beginning of next school year.
Ziegelhofer expressed confidence that Secrist would do well as superintendent, praising his leadership, integrity and heart for kids.
“In just a few short months he made a significant impact on (Eastern Elementary),” said Ziegelhofer. “I know that he will bring those same qualities to the position.”
Ziegelhofer has been with Lexington Local Schools for 32 years. He spent six years as a high school principal and four as assistant superintendent before assuming the role of superintendent. His retirement is effective Aug. 1.
“I loved every day of it,” Ziegelhofer said.
Secrist praised Ziegelhofer for his leadership and loyalty to the district.
“He’s had a lot of opportunities over the years to leave if he wanted to but he’s always felt his heart was here,” Secrist said.
Secrist described being superintendent as “the dream job,” praising the Lexington community, teachers and students.
“It’s an amazing district,” he said.
His immediate goal will be to help the district continue to move forward as educators, students and parents figure out how to navigate school in the age of COVID-19. He’ll also continue his involvement in the district’s building project.
Overall, Secrist said he hopes to see the district continue to grow and improve.
“We’ve been successful because we’re never satisfied,” he said.
