House Resolution 88

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. JAMES HUTTO UPON BEING NAMED 2005 MISSISSIPPI SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Dr. James Roderick Hutto, who has been Superintendent of the Petal School District since 1998, was recently named 2005 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, the Petal School District has added approximately 40 new classrooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a new middle school music/dance building, new athletic facilities, new educational programs and a Senior Exit Project required for each graduating senior; and

WHEREAS, under his astute leadership, Petal School District was recognized as one of only two school districts in the state with all Level 5 schools in 2003, in addition to having the district's graduating seniors score in the national average on the ACT and above national average for core completers; and

WHEREAS, a veteran professional educator in the State of Mississippi for 34 years, Dr. Hutto, who received his associate of arts degree from Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, followed by his bachelor of science, master of education and doctor of education degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, and served as Superintendent of the Poplarville School District for four years prior to coming to Petal; and

WHEREAS, a native of Brookhaven, Dr. Hutto has been an active member of the USM Alumni Association for 34 years, during which time he has served as president of a local alumni chapter and on the Board of Directors of the USM Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Mississippi Association of School Administrators, Association for Supervisors and Curriculum Development and American Association of School Administrators, Dr. Hutto has been published in several national journals of education, including Kappan Journal, NASSP Bulletin and Educational Leadership; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hutto and his wife, Allen, are active members of Petal Harvey Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and teaches a college and career Sunday School class; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend excellence, especially when exhibited by capable educational administrators such as Dr. Hutto, whose leadership ability has prospered and expanded the Petal School District:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. James Hutto upon his selection as 2005 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year and express our warmest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. James Hutto, the Petal School District School Board and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.