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Superintendent Dr. Doug Otto Honored at Retirement Reception
Updated February 1, 2012
Retired Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto was the guest of honor at a reception held on January 20 at Otto Middle School. Dr. Otto retired on January 31, following 17 years as Plano ISD's superintendent of schools.
Dr. Doug Otto and his wife Bobbi Otto, who were seated with Dr. Kary Cooper, Otto Middle School Principal, reacted to remarks made at the superintendent's retirement reception on January 20. Dr. Cooper was among guests who made remarks during the celebration.
Making remarks in salute of Dr. Otto at the event were Dr. Kary Cooper, Otto Middle School principal; Van Taylor, State Representative; John Muns, former Plano ISD trustee / parent; Karen Shepherd, Plano Senior High School science department chair and former Plano ISD & Texas Teacher of the Year; and Braden Keeter, Plano West Senior High student and member of Dr. Otto's 2011-12 Student Advisory Council.
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Karen Shepherd |
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 Dr. Otto will have more time to spend with his family, including grandson Eli, in his retirement.
Dr. Otto's retirement announcement was accepted by the school board in October, 2011. Trustees are currently working with a search firm to hire his replacement. Read more here. Richard Matkin, associate superintendent for business services, will serve as interim superintendent beginning February 1. Read more here.
Dr. Otto has led the 55,000-student Plano ISD since 1995. "There is no optimal time to say goodbye to a district and a staff for whom I have such deep respect and admiration," he said. "I thank the Plano ISD community from the bottom of my heart for 17 wonderful years. I cannot think of a more satisfying experience or a better way to punctuate my career in public education than having served the students of Plano ISD, with its dedicated parents, passionate community and sterling reputation. I am proud to have been a part of a true tradition of excellence."
Dr. Otto with wife Bobbi, son Ryan and grandson Eli.
Karen Shepherd made remarks on behalf of educators at Dr. Otto's reception. Karen is the science department chair at Plano Senior High School and is a former Plano ISD and Texas Teacher of the Year.
School Board Officers Nancy Humphrey and Marilyn Hinton (front) were among the many colleagues and friends who bid Dr. Otto farewell and a happy retirement journey at his January 20 reception.
'Thank You' from Mayor and City Council
Dr. Otto shook hands with Plano City Councilman Pat Miner, while Mayor Phil Dyer and City Council members Andre' Davidson and Ben Harris prepared to present Dr. Otto with a commemorative retirement plaque. (Read related story in right column)
Dr. Otto Makes the School Rounds
to Bid Farewell to Plano ISD Students & Staff
Watch a video slide show produced by Beverly Elementary School and featuring Music Specialist Ben Porter's original song "Dr. Otto" sung to the tune of "Desperado." Mr. Porter, Principal Liz Kirby and students thanked Dr. Otto for his leadership.
Dr. Otto shared the spotlight with Arron Moeller, principal at Weatherford Elementary School, in bringing morning announcements to Weatherford students when he visited the school this month.
Students in the Chinese prek program at Harrington Elementary School wished Dr. Otto the best upon retirement.
Dr. Otto and wife Bobbi are pictured following a visit to Otto Middle School this month. Dr. Otto will visit every school to bid farewell.
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Retirement
Reception & Other Videos
View a video shown at Dr. Otto's reception, featuring 17 years of images and video segments taken during his tenure as superintendent of schools.
View a video from the reception, which includes remarks made by colleagues and friends and the superintendent himself.
View a video of Dr. Otto being honored by Plano Mayor Phil Dyer and members of the Plano City Council at the January 17 school board meeting.
Watch a video slide show produced by Beverly Elementary School of Dr. Otto's visit to the campus, with music by Ben Porter, music specialist: "Dr. Otto," sung to the tune of "Desperado."
Douglas W. Otto Visionary Leadership Tribute Fund
The Plano ISD Education Foundation has designated the Douglas W. Otto Visionary Leadership Fund as a legacy to our retired superintendent for his masterful direction and expertise as an educator. This fund will serve future superintendents' innovations and priority projects to propel Plano ISD and its students through the future. Donations may be made via the Foundation website.
Mayor Phil Dyer & City Council Thank Dr. Otto
At the January 17 meeting of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees, Plano Mayor Phil Dyer and the Plano City Council honored Dr. Otto for with a commemorative retirement plaque.
Mayor Dyer said, "Dr. Otto, we never underestimate the value of our schools in this city and how important the reputation of our school district is to the reputation of our city...We cannot thank you enough for the high standards you have held, the example you've set and the quality that you've delivered to our community.
"I could bring 265,000 citizens with me to you to say 'Thank You.' I can assure you that all of them are impacted by what happens in the Plano Independent School District. We cannot say enough how sincerely we appreciate all of your efforts as an extraordinary person, educator and leader."
Mayor Phil Dyer read the commemorative plaque to Dr. Otto, while City Councilman Lee Dunlap looked on.
City of Plano Commemorative Plaque
Presented to Dr. Douglas Otto in honor and with deep appreciation for distinguished service, given freely and without restraint to Plano students, teachers, staff and citizens while serving with exceptional foresight and leadership.
Students in teacher Cristen Graf's floral design class at Plano West Senior High School made the ceterpieces for Dr. Otto's January 20 reception at Otto Middle School.
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