Phone: 845-858-3100 x5510
Email: jbell@pjschools.org
Dr. John Bell, Superintendent
John Bell became the superintendent of schools in the fall of 2022 and is believed to be the first PJHS graduate to ever serve in this role. He previously served as assistant superintendent for instruction at Port Jervis from 2006-2012 then was superintendent at a neighboring district from 2012-2022 before coming home. He is the chief executive officer (CEO) of the district overseeing the staff, programs and operations. He works closely with the school board on governance and advocacy efforts and on the implementation of board policies. He also leads system-wide activities such as leadership development, strategic planning, faculty/staff recruiting, and district communications. The other district-wide leaders are as follows:
Phone: 845-858-3100 x5520
Email: nwalkowicz@pjschools.org
Dr. Natasha Walkowicz, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Natasha Walkowicz Shea has been the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction since 2021. Dr. Walkowicz’s administrative and teaching experience extends to both elementary and secondary urban and rural schools, specializing in alternative education. Prior to Port Jervis CSD, she was the Assistant Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES where she oversaw instructional programs and conducted regional training, including Teaching in Remote Learning Environments (TRLE) initiative. Her principalships include being the founding principal of Hudson Valley P-TECH, an early college high school where she integrated industry partnerships and two year STEM degrees, as well as Greenwood Lake Elementary School. Dr. Walkowicz oversees the Port Jervis CSD's curriculum and instruction, and serves as the district's FOIL, Civil Rights Compliance, Sexual Harassment, and Record Officer.
Phone: 845-858-3100 x5530
Email: jtimm@pjschools.org
Mr. John Timm, Assistant Superintendent for Business
John Timm became the Assistant Superintendent for Business during the summer of 2021. He previously served as an Assistant Principal and House Principal within the Arlington Central School District from 2012-2021. He taught within the Arlington District for 14 years prior to moving into Administration. He currently oversees the Business Office operations and staff including budgets, payroll, employee benefits, food service, transportation, and buildings and grounds. John believes in providing full transparency and maintaining fiscal responsibility while providing a premier educational experience for all students.
Phone: 845-858-3131
Email: esegara@pjschools.org
Mr. Emerson Segara, Chief Information Officer; Director of Technology; Data Privacy Officer
Mr. Emerson Segara is responsible for various aspects of Technology at Port Jervis. He oversees the district's Data Services, Instructional Technology and also serves as the Data Privacy Officer. As CIO, Mr. Segara is responsible for monitoring, reporting and analyzing data within student, staff and New York State database systems. Mr. Segara also oversees the Technology Department at Port Jervis responsible for the installation and maintenance of approximately 4,000 computers for student and staff use.
The goal of the department is to provide all Port Jervis students and staff with access to current, reliable computer technology that facilitates learning and professional endeavors as well as data analytics to inform and improve teaching and assist with learning.
Phone: 845-858-3100 x6500
Email: tduryea@pjschools.org
Mrs. Tanya Duryea, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Tanya Duryea joined the Port Jervis leadership team as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services in the fall of 2022. Ms. Duryea is no stranger to the district. Prior to coming back to Port Jervis, Tanya was Director of Pupil Personnel Services for the Monticello Central School District from 2014-2022. Earlier in her career she was a Port Jervis High School special education teacher from 2006-2009, and later served the district as the CSE/CPSE chairperson from 2009-2014. Tanya has 23 years of experience in the education field, eight of those being in special education administration. She is well versed in educational law, and the complexities and rights of employees, students and parents. She prides herself on creating meaningful learning experiences for her students, and affording them the opportunity to build the life readiness skills that are necessary to navigate our ever changing world. Tanya is a proud life-long resident of Port Jervis, and graduate of the district.
Phone: 845-858-3100 x6520
Email: mfitzgerald@pjschools.org
Mrs. Peggy Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services
Peggy Fitzgerald returned to Port Jervis as the Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services in July of 2022. Prior to returning to the Port Jervis School District, Peggy was employed as a Supervisor of Special Education for the Arlington Central School District responsible for the Pupil Personnel staff in two elementary schools, one middle school and students placed in NY State approved day and residential schools. Peggy began her career at Port Jervis High School as a special education teacher in 2003. She served in that position until 2014 when she was appointed as the CPSE/CSE Chairperson. Peggy worked as the CPSE/CSE Chairperson through 2017. Peggy is happy to be home serving the families, students and staff of the Port Jervis School community.
Phone: 845-858-3100 x7510
Email: dpreiss@pjschools.org
Mr. Donald Preiss, Director of Buildings and Grounds
Don Preiss joined the district as Director of Buildings and Grounds in 2008 after a long career working for IBM. He oversees all aspects of our facilities as well supervision of the custodial, maintenance and grounds staff. He is also the district's point person for all capital projects. He has overseen approximately $100 million in capital projects during his time in Port Jervis..
