New Paulding Schools Superintendent Named

DALLAS, GA — The Paulding County School District has a new superintendent.

Brian Otott was named to the post by a unanimous vote of the Paulding County Board of Education on Monday night. Otott is an internal hire, having served as the school district's assistant superintendent since 2011.

In that role, Otott oversaw day-to-day operations for the district, including transportation, school nutrition and registration.

"The board is excited to move forward with Dr. Otott at the helm," said Kim Curl, chairman of the school board. "This has been a long process, but we are confident we have the right person in the right position."

Prior to his role as assistant superintendent, Otott was executive director of elementary schools with the Paulding system and served in other roles locally, starting as a classroom teacher and moving on to become the inaugural principal at three Paulding schools.

Otott is a graduate of University of West Georgia, where he earned bachelor's, master's and education specialist degrees. He holds a doctorate from Samford University. He was chosen over Cobb County Schools assistant superintendent Philip Page. The two had been named finalists out of 27 candidates for the job.

His is married with two children.

Otott will replace Cliff Cole, who retired in May after seven years as schools superintendent. He had been serving as the system's interim superintendent since June 1.

Photo courtesy Paulding County School District