David Bell never expected to become an assistant principal.

Throughout his high school life, Bell planned on pursuing a career in computer engineering or music.

Then that all changed.

“I had an AP English teacher assign me a project,” Bell said. “And afterwards he came up to me and told me that I was a natural storyteller, and that I would be a good teacher.”

That was when Bell stopped to think about what he really wanted to do in life. “One teacher’s comment one day was all it took,” he said.

From there he taught a variety of classes such as

AP World History and Drama, at Whitney Young and Queen of Peace. He eventually became Taft’s assistant principal, working alongside Lane’s new principal, Mr. Tennison.

“I like working with Tennison,” Bell said. “I respect him as an educator. I trust him.”

Soon after Tennison left Taft to come to Lane, Bell again found himself making another important choice: whether to stay at Taft, or move to Lane. The departure of Ms. Gonzales had opened the door for Bell to come to Lane. He decided to make the most of this chance.

“Ms. Gonzales just happened to leave when she did,” Bell said. “I saw my chance and I took it.”

Bell said one of the main reasons he decided to come to Lane was for the feel of the school, and

the tradition of excellence that it and all special enrollment schools represent.

“There’s always something special about walking in a selective enrollment school,” Bell said. “I’m just excited to be a part of that.”

Bell said he’s happy to start at Lane, but needs a bit of time to get acclimated before he sets some goals for change. “I need to figure out the school first,” he said.

His short time here did not prevent him from having a clear message for Lane students.

“I want every student to pursue their passions,” Bell said. “And I want to support them to be as successful as they can be no matter what their passion is.”