Dr. Otha Hall named next superintendent of Laurens County Schools

Dr. Otha Hall, a former West Laurens teacher and administrator, will begin his role as superintendent in January following Clifford Garnto’s retirement.

LAURENS COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Laurens County Board of Education has named Dr. Otha Hall as the district’s next superintendent. He’s set to begin his term in January 2026.

Dr. Hall has a lifelong connection to Laurens County schools. He served as a history teacher and administrator at West Laurens High School before becoming associate superintendent. Hall says his background has prepared him for the role.

“I’m excited!” he said. “With that same token I understand the task and what it means to the superintendent. It is a heavy task, but it is also a rewarding task.”

Hall says his goal is to ensure students and staff have a positive learning environment.

“Because it starts there, must be positive, must be safe to allow us to provide an equitable education for all students,” he said. “That’s what my vision and goal would be—to ensure our educators and students have a safe place to teach and learn, and to provide an equitable education and opportunity to all students.”

He says it’s important for him to provide a safe space for students with diverse backgrounds and children with special needs.

“For one, provide the professional development needed for them to possess the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of all learners,” he said. “Two, ensure they have the resources needed to meet the needs of all learners. And three, partner with the community and parents. Because it will take every last one of us to ensure that all our kids get an equitable education.”

Hall believes it’s important to ensure teachers have the best and most updated curriculum.

“That goes from bus drivers to cafeteria staff, to our custodial staff, to our teachers and leaders,” he said. “It takes the entire village to make that happen. And part of my responsibility to ensure the kids get what they need is ensuring all those people I just called out have the resources they need.”

Dr. Hall’s term as superintendent will officially begin in January after the Christmas break.

He replaces outgoing superintendent Clifford Garnto, who will retire in December.

“I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Hall’s exceptional ability to excel as our incoming superintendent,” Garnto said last week. “His profound knowledge, inspiring leadership, and ingenious problem-solving skills are precisely what our district needs to keep us moving forward in a positive direction. It has been an absolute pleasure collaborating with him, and I deeply cherish the enduring friendship that has flourished as colleagues. Rest assured, Laurens County Schools will be in good hands.”