LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Xanthis upon the occasion of his
retirement as Superintendent of the Port Jervis City School District

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
Xanthis upon the occasion of his retirement as Superintendent of the
Port Jervis City School District; he will officially retire on August
31, 2013; and
WHEREAS, John Xanthis joined the Port Jervis City School District in
2003, first as assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services,
then of instruction; he became Superintendent in 2006; and
WHEREAS, A Newburgh native, John Xanthis began his career as an educa-
tor in 1977 as a social studies teacher in Warwick schools; he also
worked in the Minisink, Wallkill, Newburgh and Goshen districts; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure with the Port Jervis City
School District, John Xanthis significantly enhanced the district's
infrastructure by facilitating large-scale improvements and integrating
technology across the curriculum; and
WHEREAS, John Xanthis' skillful leadership as Superintendent helped to
establish full-day kindergarten in the district, and improve state
assessments for grades three through eight; above all, he will be forev-
er appreciated for putting first the needs of the students in his
charge; and
WHEREAS, Educators like John Xanthis provide a tremendous service to
the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, John Xanthis has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth
of the Port Jervis City School District and the community at large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for many impressive years of
dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Xanthis upon the occasion of his retirement as Superintendent
of the Port Jervis City School District, and to wish him continued
success in his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Xanthis.