Fayette County School Superintendent John DeCotis received the Outstanding Educator Award from the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) at its conference last week in Jekyll Island. DeCotis at the school board meeting Monday was recognized by Chairman Terri Smith.

“I’m honored that I was selected for this award. Our board members, staff, teachers and students have allowed me to serve them and I thank them,” DeCotis said. “This reflects well on our county and on what the (GAEL) leadership thinks about our county.”

To be eligible for nomination, a candidate most possess an exemplary record of service in educational leadership and exhibit leadership characteristics that are considered a positive role model for others, said school system Public Information Officer Melinda Berry-Dreisbach.

In choosing a winner, selection team members look for demonstration of effective leadership and management skills, how new ideas and projects have been implemented, contributions made to the educational leadership profession, profession growth activities, membership in professional organizations and community involvement, she said.