The Board of Trustees of the Cleveland School District and Superintendent Dr. Jackie
Thigpen are pleased to announce and present Dr. Otha Belcher, Jr. as the next Superintendent of the Cleveland School District. Dr. Belcher will assume his leadership duties beginning July 1, 2019. Otha Belcher, Jr. began his career in education in 2005 after serving his country in the U.S.
Army. Dr. Belcher brings with him a wealth of experience and expansive leadership qualities developed from his 14 years in education. 

 Dr. Belcher comes to the Cleveland School District after serving as Assistant Superintendent for the Jackson Public School District, the second largest school district in the State of Mississippi. As assistant superintendent in the Jackson Public School District since July 2017, he has focused on instructional practices and using data to improve teaching and learning in the eight schools within the feeder pattern. 

Dr. Belcher had previously served as a curriculum and instruction director, principal,
assistant principal, and classroom teacher. An innovative and strategic leader, Dr. Belcher has made outstanding impacts for the organizations he has served. 

Dr. Belcher holds a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from the University
of Arkansas at Monticello, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Belhaven University, and an Education Specialist from Mississippi College. Dr. Belcher's Doctor of Education with a concentration in Curriculum & Instruction is also from Mississippi College, and his dissertation topic was the Effectiveness of a Formative Assessment Initiative in 8th Grade Math. Dr. Belcher has completed additional studies at Duke University in Online Teaching & Learning as well as Narrative Learning. He is a certified teacher and administrator for the state of Mississippi and a certified Google Educator. 

We are excited to welcome Dr. Belcher and are eager for him to get to know our wonderful students, staff and Cleveland community.

“I am elated to serve as the leader of such a fine community and great school district,” said Dr. Otha Belcher.