Denville board names Valley View gymnasium for retiring Superintendent Steven A. Forte

The Denville Township Board of Education on June 8 unanimously adopted a resolution honoring Superintendent Steven A. Forte on his retirement and designating the Valley View Middle School gymnasium the 'Forte Gymnasium.' The board read the resolution during the special presentations portion of the meeting and later approved it by roll call.

Board member Mr. Kim moved to approve the naming resolution during the meeting’s governance session; the measure was seconded and carried with all seven board members voting yes (Miss Adelis/Idelis; Miss Asterino; Mr. Cass; Mr. Anderson; Mr. Capello; Mr. Kim; Dr. Moore). The resolution text described Dr. Forte’s “visionary leadership” and directed that a signed copy be presented to him.

At the podium before the vote, a colleague identified in the transcript as Dr. Cullis praised Dr. Forte for 12 years of mentorship and leadership, saying she had worked with him closely and that he “championed athletics as well as academics and social‑emotional learning.” Dr. Forte responded that he was proud to have served in his hometown district and said extracurriculars had been central to his work: “It’s not just — I literally went to high school because I could play football,” he said, adding thanks to the board and community.

The naming was presented at the meeting alongside student recognitions, including a Valley View unsung‑hero award and athletic championships. The board indicated the sign recognizing the gym’s new name will be placed over the gym doors at Valley View Middle School.

Next steps: the board placed the resolution on the agenda and completed the formal roll call that adopted it during the same meeting. The district will present Dr. Forte with the official copy of the resolution and install the signage at a future date.