LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Bell upon the occasion of his
induction into the Port Jervis High School Alumni Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, Individuals who distinguish themselves in their profession and
in service to their community merit the highest commendation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing tradition, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
Bell upon the occasion of his induction into the Port Jervis High School
Alumni Hall of Fame; his outstanding accomplishments were recognized on
Sunday, October 13, 2013, at the 2013 Port Jervis High School Alumni
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet, which was held at the Erie
Trackside Manor in Port Jervis, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Port Jervis High School Alumni Hall of Fame annually
recognizes individuals who have achieved personal success and have made
a significant contribution to society, serving as role models to inspire
current and future generations of Port Jervis students; and
WHEREAS, John Bell, Class of 1985, is the Delaware Valley School
District Superintendent; this dedicated educator and administrator is
well-respected and greatly-admired on both sides of the Delaware River;
and
WHEREAS, John Bell was elected for this esteemed position in June 2012
after a national search; his reputation for building high performing
schools was proven in 2013 when, under his leadership, Delaware Valley
High School qualified as one of America's Best High Schools by US NEWS &
WORLD REPORT and named one of America's Most Challenging Schools by the
Washington Post; and
WHEREAS, This accomplished man previously served the Delaware Valley
School District as the assistant principal and principal of its Middle
School for five years; he then moved on to the Minisink Valley School
District where he was quickly promoted from middle school principal to
assistant superintendent for instruction; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, John Bell returned to Port Jervis where he served
with distinction as the assistant superintendent for instruction for six
years; guided by his experience and insight, the school experienced
tremendous success as academic achievement increased by 20 percent, and
students were given unprecedented access to technology; and
WHEREAS, Clearly dedicated to his profession and the community, he was
responsible for establishing the Alumni Hall of Fame and helped to found
the Port Jervis Educational Foundation; in addition, he was a member of
the New York State Council of School Superintendents, and served for two
years as president of the New York State Association for Supervision and
Curriculum Development; and
WHEREAS, John Bell has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, This tireless man has been officiating with Little League
since 1986, following in the tradition of his family, as his father
served as its long-time president, and his grandfather was a founder; he
also serves as a member of the Bon Secours Community Hospital Foundation
Board; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lynne, and their two
sons, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those individ-
uals who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and
demonstrate a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have

earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Bell upon the occasion of his induction into the Port Jervis
High School Alumni Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Bell.