John Bell returns to lead DV

New superintendent selection completed

WESTFALL — Ten years ago this month, then DV Middle School Principal John Bell left DV to become a principal in New York. Last Thursday, he returned to become district superintendent.

Bell, 45, was named on June 21 to succeed Dr. Candis Finan, who is retiring after 30 years service in the district.

In a written statement, Bell said, "It is truly an honor to become the superintendent of this great district and to follow in Dr. Finan's footsteps. DV has a long history of academic excellence and the numerous recent awards only enhance that reputation. I look forward to meeting with students, staff and the community to pick their brains about how to improve the district even more in the coming years."

From the start Bell has made some lasting impressions during his career. Eldred, N.Y. parent Diane Butler said her two children remembered that Bell, as their fifth grade teacher, was their most important influence during their school years.

DV Board member Zachary Pearce remembered Bell as his middle school principal in 2001. "That was tough year too with 9-11 and I remember him being a real rock of a leader throughout it. I was always impressed about how connected he was with the students,"

Bell was appointed by a 6-1 vote of the board. Member Diane French voted no, and said she would not be party to nepotism and cronyism. Following the meeting, she declined to elaborate on her remarks.

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Bell has a Bachelors degree in Economics from SUNY Albany, a Masters in Education from the College of Saint Rose, and Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz.

Most recently (2006-2012) Bell has served as assistant superintendent for instruction for the Port Jervis (N.Y.) City Schools. A native of Port Jervis Bell has spent his professional life in the area's schools, starting as an elementary teacher at Eldred Central School in 1992, then on to DVMS as assistant principal in 1997. He became principal at DVMS in 1998, leaving in 2002 to become principal at Minisink Valley Middle School before his tenure in Port Jervis.

He's been a DV district resident since 1994, with his wife Lynne, who taught in Port Jervis for 10 years. They have two sons. Michael Bell will be a freshman DVHS this fall and David Bell will be a seventh grader at DVMS.

— David Hulse

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