LEXINGTON — Lexington Local Schools Supt. Jeremy Secrist said he is starting a new chapter.

Secrist submitted his letter of resignation to the school board Thursday. The letter stated Secrist’s resignation is effective July 31, “pending Board approval in (his) new position.”

It was unclear early Thursday afternoon to which board Secrist was referring.

School board President Keith Stoner told Richland Source the “new position” is not with Lexington schools.

“(Secrist) been looking for something new for a while,” Stoner said. “Unfortunately for the district and fortunately for him, I think he’s found it. I’m excited for him and a little sad for us.”

Secrist’s resignation letter expressed gratitude to board members for their support during his tenure.

“Despite a changing landscape in public education, erosion of funding and countless challenges since het world changed in 2020, you have assisted me in leading this district forward,” he wrote.

Secrist also sent a letter to district staff, which he shared with local media.

“I want to start by saying how deeply appreciative I am of everything you do each day, the impact you have on the lives of our students and your colleagues, and the difference you have made in the lives of my four children,” Secrist wrote.

“You are strong, supportive, and compassionate, as evidenced in how you continue to show up for each other and our community in times of need,” he added.

Secrist has worked for the school system for 15 years and spent the last six as its superintendent.

“My family and I are ready for the next chapter in our lives, and we know that we will forever be in gratitude for our time in the Lexington Local School District,” he wrote in his resignation letter.

“Good luck as you continue to move this district forward, know that I will always be here as a resource if needed.”

Stoner said the Lexington school board will schedule a special meeting to accept Secrist’s resignation next week.

“We won’t accept it (his resignation) until the other board acts on their hiring of him in that position,” Stoner said.

The board passed a resolution Wednesday evening authorizing assistant superintendent Kevin Young to “serve as the Superintendent’s designee for any matters which would otherwise require the Superintendent’s approval during any authorized absence of the Superintendent” through July 31.

The school board has just four weeks left before the start of a new school year.

The district is also in search of a head football coach after Andrew Saris, who also worked as the high school dean of students, died suddenly last month.

“We’re down a number of people. We’re working through a lot of things on which administrators will be asked to step up and help out and do a little more,” Stoner said.

In other news, the district is breaking ground on a new elementary school next week adjacent to Western Elementary School.