Secrist oversees all aspects of the district’s custodial and maintenance programs. He also has played an integral role in Lebanon City Schools’ construction project to renovate all the facilities and build a new junior high school, working in tandem with the architects, construction managers and contractors.
Secrist recently was selected as the 2017 Outstanding Classified Staff Member by the Ohio School Boards Association Southwest Region. Seventeen counties comprise the region, including Adams, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren.
The Today’s Pulse found out more from the Lebanon native.
Q: What has been your journey with Lebanon City Schools?
A: I graduated from Lebanon City School in May 1981 and started working with Lebanon City Schools in June 1989.
During high school, I worked at a couple local supermarkets, and after graduation was promoted to assistant manager until starting with the maintenance department at Lebanon City Schools.
Q: How does it feel to be selected as the 2017 Outstanding Classified Staff Member by the Ohio School Boards Association Southwest Region?
A: I am very honored and proud to have been selected for this award and also proud to represent Lebanon City Schools.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work as the district’s maintenance supervisor?
A: I enjoy working with staff to maintain and improve Lebanon City Schools.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your position?
A: One of the biggest challenges that I face is trying to maintain and improve our facilities, while trying to minimize costs, and still being able to give staff, students and community members what they want and need to best serve them.
Another big challenge that I face is balancing time between regular daily operations and working with contractors on the new building and renovation projects.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Some of my hobbies are bowling, fishing and car racing.
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: I grew up in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon Schools. I have been married for more than 32 years to my wife, Susan, and we have one son, Kyle.
What others are saying about Secrist
His nomination letter said, Secrist “makes sure that our taxpayers are getting a quality product for their investment. … What makes Taylor such an exceptional employee is that he feels responsible for all district facilities and any and all projects being undertaken. He is always on duty no matter what time of day or night. He serves as a role model for all of us with his work ethic.”
Contact this contributing writer at lisa.knodel@gmail.com.
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