Tampa, Fla. – (September 1, 2026) – The Hillsborough County School Board voted at Tuesday’s school board meeting to select Kenneth R. Otero as the name of our new middle school, which is set to open in August 2027. More than 1,100 recommendations were submitted by the community for consideration.  

The approximately $72 million project will accommodate up to 1,600 students. The school will offer dynamic academic and enrichment opportunities designed to complement the academic excellence at nearby Aquilla J. Morgan High School, which opened in 2025. Programs will include rigorous and accelerated coursework, opportunities to earn high school credit, career and technical education, industry certifications, and extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports based on student interest.

With nearly four decades of dedicated service in public education, Kenneth R. Otero held a variety of leadership roles within Hillsborough County Public Schools. Beginning as a teacher at Plant High School in 1975, he later served as assistant principal at Plant before becoming principal of Sligh Junior High School and Tampa Bay Technical High School. In 1996, Otero transitioned to district leadership as General Director, followed by appointments as Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Deputy Superintendent. Throughout a distinguished career spanning from 1975 to 2013, Otero played a key role in supporting student success, strengthening school leadership, and advancing educational excellence across the district.

“This new middle school represents our continued commitment to providing students with access to innovative learning environments in communities experiencing rapid growth,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “We look forward to opening the Kenneth R. Otero Middle School in 2027, which will honor an exceptional former leader whose contributions helped shape the success of our district and the students we serve.” 

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