The Central Lee Community School District honored Chris Gray, Director of Facilities, on Friday morning for his 45 years of service to the district.
Mr. Gray, who is retiring effective June 30, began working at Central Lee while he was a high school junior. After he graduated, he took on a full-time position at the Montrose School. In 2000, he was named Director of Facilities, a position he has held for the past 22 years.
During his tenure as Director of Facilities, Mr. Gray has overseen classroom additions to the PK-8 building, classroom additions to the high school building, geothermal/HVAC installation to all facilities on campus and, most recently, a $13 million, state-of-the-art addition and renovation to the high school and PK-8 building. He has also been instrumental in numerous renovation projects, including the high school weight room and high school family/consumer science room.
“Chris is irreplaceable not only as a highly skilled facility director, but also as a person. He is what we desire from all employees. He is kind, trustworthy and reliable,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Superintendent. “It has been an honor to work alongside Chris the past six years. I wish him the absolute best in his retirement.”
At the retirement reception held Friday morning, Mr. Gray was presented with a new service award, named the “Chris Gray Award.” In the future, this award will honor staff members who have served the district for more than 20 years. The award reflects dedication and loyalty to Central Lee’s students, staff, families and community members.
“It is quite rare for the Central Lee Community School District to name an award, building or field after an individual. We recognize that we can always do more to honor the employees who have been with us for many years,” Dr. Crozer said. “This award will enshrine Chris’s legacy for years to come, and we are grateful to be able to present the inaugural award to Chris himself.”
Central Lee will honor the rest of its retiring staff at the annual end-of-year breakfast on Tuesday, May 31. The district will also announce its annual employee awards at that time.