Dan Hutto recognized by City of St Augustine

Historic City News has learned that at their regular meeting Monday night, the St Augustine City Commission will recognize Danny Hutto; on his retirement as President of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind.

A certificate of recognition and appreciation, signed by Mayor Joe Boles, will be presented to Hutto who is ending thirty-four years at the school and a total of forty-four years in education.

Hutto served as the 16th President of the state school; where he began his career in 1968, teaching mathematics to deaf and hard of hearing students. April 27th was officially his last day on the job.

During Hutto’s last year as President, he found himself on the opposite end of the negotiating table with the city. Tempers boiled within the Nelmar Terrace neighborhood over alleged zoning code violations and concerns over the power to take private property for the school through the legal process of “eminent domain”.

After a recent board meeting, Hutto revealed to Historic City News editor Michael Gold that he was pleased negotiations and diplomacy were able to lead to a workable solution of issues between the city, community and school before his retirement.

“I have seen many changes in the school through the years,” Hutto added. “But what hasn’t changed is the dedicated staff, who give tirelessly of themselves to meet the individual needs of the students.”

According to the certificate, “Daniel Hutto is greatly admired for his strength, vision and foresight in the field of education for the deaf and blind, and whose guidance and support will be greatly missed by all.”

Dr. Jeanne Prickett, who served as the superintendent for the Iowa School for the Deaf, succeeds Hutto as president.

“It is difficult to leave a place that has been a major part of my life for so many years,” Hutto said. “Mary Ann and I will cherish the memories of our experiences at the school. I want to thank all who made this journey possible and who shared your lives with us.”