‘It’s challenging, it’s exhilarating, and it’s an answered prayer,’ – Superintendent Hattaway speaks on new role

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Scotty Hattaway has left his role as deputy superintendent of Floyd County Schools to take on the top post here in Emanuel. The board of education approved Hattaway’s hiring with a unanimous vote during their morning meeting on Wednesday, May 19. His first day as superintendent of Emanuel County Schools was Thursday, May 20.

The new leader comes to the district with 27 years of experience in education. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education from the University of Georgia as well as Master’s and Specialist degrees from Valdosta State. Over the years, he has worked in the classroom as a teacher and has accumulated a handful of administrative titles, including Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Support Services, Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent. Hattaway has worked with four school districts prior to Emanuel. Those districts were Pierce County, Long County, Lanier County, and Floyd County.

A native of Louisville, Hattaway is now 50-years-old. He and his wife, Holly, a stay-at-home mother, have two daughters: Madison Grace (17) and Maggie Layne (14).

About becoming the superintendent, Hattaway said he’s thankful and excited to be afforded the chance to be the leader of our school system. “I’m just really excited to have this opportunity. It’s challenging, it’s exhilarating, and it's an answered prayer. I’m grateful to be back in a rural setting; it’s what I’m used to. I’m thankful and very humbled to have the opportunity to be chosen to lead our school system.”

As for his vision for the system, Hattaway wants to provide every child with the opportunity to meet his or her absolute potential. He also wants to help local students become the best post-secondary students, employees, and family members possible with the ultimate goal of keeping these individuals local in the future. On that note, he wants Emanuel County Schools to be a “service-oriented” district. Most importantly, however, he aims to take the system “from good to great.”

This online exclusive, made available by The Forest-Blade, references to this week’s featured Board of Education article. Grab your May 26, 2021 copy today to read additional details, including comments made by former Emanuel County Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin A. Judy.