Indian River's first superintendent dies
3:47 AM, May. 26, 2011

SELBYVILLE -- James M. Proudfoot, a longtime educator and former Indian River
School District superintendent, has died at the age of 89.

Proudfoot was the first superintendent for IRSD, a post he held for 15 years
until his retirement in 1984.

"Mr. Proudfoot's contributions to the Indian River School District were
immeasurable," said current Superintendent Susan Bunting. "Not only did he play
an integral role in the consolidation of five local districts in 1969, he also
had the difficult assignment of serving as the Indian River School District's
first superintendent."

Upon obtaining a master's degree from West Virginia University, he moved to
Delaware in 1951, where he began a 10-year career as a biology and science
teacher.

He was born and raised in Grafton, W. Va., but entered the U.S. Army in 1941.
After being discharged, he received his undergraduate education at Fairmont
College in West Virginia.

At the district's 40th anniversary celebration in 2009, Bunting said Proudfoot
received a standing ovation as appreciation for his contributions.

"Thousands of residents owe him a debt of gratitude for his dedicated service
to our schools," Bunting said. "He will be missed by everyone who had the
privilege of knowing him. We deeply mourn his passing."

Source: DelmarvaNOW.com