Frederick H. Tuttle began his education career in 1959, when, as a recent graduate of Middlebury College, he taught language arts at Lyman C. Hunt Junior High School. After four years as a teacher, he became the school’s assistant principal and later served the same role at Burlington High School. In 1970, Mr. Tuttle became the Assistant Superintendent for the South Burlington School District. He was appointed Superintendent one year later, a position he held for more than 20 years, during which he achieved many honors and recognition for his leadership and vision both within the community and the state of Vermont.
Fred Tuttle was a quiet scholar of English literature and a respected and exemplary educational administrator. In a job that involves finance, policy, bureaucracy and effective communication, Mr. Tuttle cared most about people. He treated everyone with whom he interacted with respect, interest, and attention. Tuttle helped recruit high-quality, experienced teachers and principals who shared his respect for children. Under his leadership, the South Burlington School District gained national and state recognition for educational quality. Mr. Tuttle remained committed to teaching and exemplified excellent leadership. He was a gentleman person and an extraordinary individual who rarely gave orders and frequently offered his assistance to others.
Mr. Tuttle devoted large amounts of his time to his professional associations and was an active member in the Vermont Superintendents Association, where he served as a Trustee and Secretary. He was also active in the Champlain Valley Superintendents Association, the American Association of School Administrators, and Phi Delta Kappa. Mr. Tuttle served on the Board of Trustees of the Medical Center of Vermont. Throughout Tuttle’s 33 years as an educator, he was known as a person who embodied the best of what public education provides to children and to the community. Frederick H. Tuttle earned the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
Mr. Tuttle died after a courageous battle with cancer on June 7, 1992. Prior to his death, the South Burlington Rotary Club presented Mr.Tuttle with a Paul Harris Fellow Award to recognize his many contributions to the community. Subsequent to his death, in 1994, the South Burlington Rotary established an award in Mr. Tuttle’s honor to be presented annually to an individual who either lived or worked in South Burlington. The successful recipient is selected for demonstrating the personal characteristics and commitment to vocation and community for which Mr. Tuttle was known and respected.
The award recipient has his/her name inscribed upon a plaque in City Hall commemorating all the recipients of the award. In addition, a $250 contribution is made by Rotary to a charity of the recipient’s choice.
To nominate someone, download the form found on the left side of this screen.
Nomination deadline 11/15/23.