Otey hired as new superintendent for Charles City County Public Schools

Charles City County Public Schools has announced that Dr. Katina Otey will serve as the next superintendent of schools.

The announcement was made during a June 25 special meeting of the school board. Otey will succeed Dalphine Joppy, who is stepping down after five years of service.
Otey is bringing 31 years of public education to Charles City County Public Schools, with her latest position as Chief Academic Officer for Charlottesville City Public Schools, a role she had held since 2020. Other educational capacities she has served in include being a classroom teacher at Roanoke City Public Schools, an assistant principal and principal in Henrico County Public Schools, and Director of Elementary School Leaders for Chesterfield County Public Schools.

“I fell in love with this close-knit community, its desire for the excellence for students, and I love the tightness of this school division,” Otey said in an interview. “I believe I can be intentional with the leadership I have in a division this size. I love the people, and I have met so many already, and I am ready to do this work.”

Otey holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Virginia Tech.

“This was not an easy process, but we had a great candidate that spoke in volumes with Dr. Otey,” commented school board Chairman Rodney Tyler. “I’m excited to have Dr. Otey in our school system.

“Her resume and experience speaks volumes for itself,” he continued. “We need someone to further lead our kids academically and is someone who is community involved. One of the first things she said is that she wanted to be involved with our community and kids. She’s just a humble person and we’re excited to have her join us.”

For the new superintendent, she believes the first three months of her position will be crucial in her transition.

“I shared with the board that I have a 90-day plan that will include listening, learning, and leading,” Otey commented. “I want to go on a tour so that I can listen to what parents, students, families, and staff have to say.

“I want to hear everybody’s voice and work collaboratively with them,” she added. “I want to dig deep into the data, the history of the county, and the school division so that I can be the most effective leader I can be. I have outlined and I am leading now, but I want to hear from everyone because I want them to have their voice heard.”