By Betsy Finklea
The teaching license of former Latta High School band director Matthew Tyler Hutto, who was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct-second degree last week, has been suspended by the South Carolina State Board of Education until the matter is resolved.
According to an order of summary suspension, “The Chair of the South Carolina State Board of Education (State Board) considered this matter on April 4, 2011. In accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 1-23-370(c) (2004), § 59-5-10 (2004), and State Board Rule of Governance BBABA, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) requested that the Chair of the State Board summarily suspend the educator certificate of Matthew T. Hutto, certificate 226171, as a result of his being arrested on April 1, 2011, in Dillon County, South Carolina, and being charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct, Second Degree (two counts).”
The order further states that, “The SCDE has reason to believe that, due to the serious nature of these allegations of misconduct, Mr. Hutto may pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of students that may be under his instruction and that emergency action is required. After considering the evidence presented by the SCDE, the Chair of the State Board finds that Mr. Hutto’s educator certificate shall be summarily suspended until a due process hearing is held and/or this matter is otherwise resolved. The SCDE is directed to serve notice on Mr. Hutto of the summary suspension, as well as the possible suspension or revocation of his educator certificate.”
It states that “The Chair of the State Board finds that due to the serious nature of these allegations, Mr. Hutto may pose a threat to the safety and welfare of students that may be under his instruction and that emergency action is required to summarily suspend Mr. Hutto’s educator certificate.”
Hutto’s employment with the Latta School District ended last week.
Hutto has been released on a $50,000 bond.
