Looking to New Canaan, Board of Ed Hires New Facilities Director

The Darien Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of a new a director of facilities and operations Tuesday night, a position that became vacant with in November.

Hans Otto, currently the manager of facilities operations for New Canaan Public Schools, will take on the role beginning in April.

Having worked in his present job since 1999, Otto oversaw renovations of both and .   

“He has been noted as a problem solver who possesses a strong work ethic and a commitment to collaboration,” Superintendent Stephen Falcone said.

In New Canaan, Otto coordinated the planning of capital projects and acted as a mediator between the town’s school administrators and its municipal leaders, according to Falcone.

“He has led projects to increase energy management systems, expand security presence, and improve safety in schools,” Falcone added.

Per the board’s vote, Otto will take on the post starting Apr. 11. Chairman Kim Westcott said she looks forward to his arrival and his making an immediate impact.

“We will be very happy when he comes onboard,” Westcott said. “We have gone months without having a director of facilities and operations.”

Westcott said issues like the impact of recent snowstorms and at  would have been aided by someone in the post.

A Danbury resident, Otto has a degree in building construction and business from Dean College in Franklin, Mass. 

Besides serving the New Canaan school district, he worked at a mechanical contracting company for 16 years during which he became licensed in plumbing, fire protection, and heating/ventilation/air conditioning.

Otto used to be a manager of wholesale operations at Klaff’s, a home furnishing and appliance store in Norwalk.

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