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SDB may pick interim president
L. Daniel Hutto will be recommended to become the interim president of Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind at this Saturday’s Board of Trustees meeting.
Hutto, 62, a South Carolina native who goes by “Danny,” is currently the school’s administrator for residential programs. He oversees boarding programs as well as athletics and recreation.
Hugh Lewis, principal of the deaf department, said the school’s administrative team, which had to nominate an interim president, voted for Hutto Friday morning.
“The group felt Mr. Hutto would be the most appropriate to lead at this time,” Lewis said. “He’s a man of integrity, well-respected and well-liked at the school. It’s safe to say the students at Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind are his main concern.”
In his presentation to the team, Hutto said he leads by emphasizing teamwork.
“I meet with my staff weekly as a group and discuss issues. All share in problem solving. By doing it this way, all feel a part of the solution,” he said.
Hutto was chosen over FSDB Public Information Director Kathy Gillespie and FSDB Administrator of Related Services Stan Gustetic.
Lewis said all three candidates were well-qualified, but Hutto stood out because he knows the school well, both as an educator and as someone who has worked with the after-school program.
If approved by the Board of Trustees, Hutto will take over current school President Elmer Dillingham’s duties when he retires in January. The Board will conduct a search for a permanent president, and Hutto will be eligible to apply for the job if he desires.
Hutto said he hasn’t decided yet whether he’ll apply for the permanent position, but felt he had an understanding of the school that was needed in an interim president.
Hutto has a long history with FSDB, starting in 1968 when he was hired to teach high school math to deaf students. He left the school in 1973 to take a job with the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf. During his 10 years there, he was the preschool director and later the assistant superintendent.
He returned to FSDB in 1983 and worked as assistant principal for academics, residential assistant principal in the deaf department and director of student life before being promoted to his current post.
Hutto chose a career working with the deaf after meeting his college roommate’s parents, who were deaf.
“I just became fascinated with sign language, and everything fell into place,” he said.
That early passion for working with the deaf has continued through his 38 years working in education.
“I really enjoy my work. I’ve never seen it as as much of a job as it is a service,” he said.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s in deaf education and certification in administrative supervision. Outside of FSDB, he serves as a trustee for the Florida Baptist Children’s Home.
His wife, Mary Ann, also works at FSDB as a teacher for blind students with additional learning disabilities. The couple has three children and three grandchildren.
Outgoing president Dillingham announced his plans to retire in August, stating only that he would be turning 63 and felt ready for a change.
The school serves about 900 deaf, blind and special needs students. All but 200 of the students live on the FSDB campus.