James “Jim” Schott grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated from Marian College in 1961. He began his career in Indianapolis where he taught Latin and English, and was an athletic coach. He continued his education, earning degrees from Butler University and Purdue University, and went on to serve as a high school principal in Tennessee, and assistant superintendent for Planning, Business Services and Community Relations in Ohio.
Schott moved to Central Florida in 1977, when he was hired as deputy superintendent for instruction at Orange County Public Schools. Three years later, he became superintendent, a position he held until 1992. Schott played an integral part in the development of many programs that have continued to make a profound and positive impact on the district, its students and the OCPS team.
During Schott’s tenure, the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools was established to connect the district with the community, while also providing financial and other resources for learning enhancement. Since 2005, the Foundation has helped secure and steward more than $25 million in community support for district schools, students and teachers. He also oversaw the introduction of magnet and International Baccalaureate programs in the district.
After serving as superintendent, Schott made the decision to “do something new and different every three to five years until age 100.” He has served as president and trustee of United Arts of Central Florida, Regional President of Voyager Expanded Learning and founder of an educational consulting company, Creative Education Solutions. He was also a volunteer with Junior Achievement of Central Florida and helped develop the JA Academy for Leadership and Entrepreneurship at Oak Ridge High School.
Since 2000, Schott has continued his passion for teaching at the Orlando campus of National-Louis University, where he was named Distinguished Professor of Practice, Educational Leadership. His professional accolades include the 2006 Donald A. Fleming Distinguished Alumni Award from Marian University and the 2007 Henry Cragg Volunteer Award from Junior Achievement of Central Florida.
