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What's hot Jeff Taschner appointed new Executive Director he Executive Board of the DSEA has appointed Jeff Taschner to be DSEA's next executive director, succeeding Howard Weinberg who is retiring after 33 years with DSEA. Taschner has begun assuming his new duties. A DSEA Search Committee interviewed applicants from within DSEA as well as from other organizations before making its recommendation to the Executive Board. Taschner joined DSEA 12 years ago as DSEA general counsel, advising leadership on legal matters as well as working with field staff on the more difficult contractual problems that arise, handling Unfair Labor Practices as well as appeals through the Delaware judicial system. He has also been one of DSEA's three lobbyists, along with the president and executive director. He served as the lead for the Coalition of State Workers United for a Better Delaware in the pension and healthcare discussions with the State two years ago that averted severe cuts to both healthcare and pension benefits for state workers while saving the state millions of dollars. Prior to joining DSEA, Taschner was policy advisor to the Secretary of Delaware's Dept. of Public Safety for four years. Prior to that he was a deputy attorney general in both the civil and criminal divisions of Delaware's Dept. of Justice. T Jeff Taschner is the new DSEA Executive Director, now looking to replace himself as general counsel as well as hire a fulltime government relations director. Says Taschner, "I am humbled and honored by the opportunity, and look forward to working with DSEA leadership and staff to promote and protect the interests of all of DSEA's members who work so hard to make Delaware's public schools great." Taschner holds a bachelor of arts degree in History and Political Science from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, and a J.D. degree from Dickinson School of Law. He lives in Newark with his wife Renee and two children. For more on Howard Weinberg's long tenure at DSEA, see pages 12 and 13. Says Weinberg, "For the past 33 years, it has been both a great adventure and a challenge to work for the members of DSEA and the excel- lent staff and leaders. During that time, the vision for public education has changed and unprecedented demands have been placed on educators and students. DSEA has needed to adapt to a different educational world and has done so with thoughtful deliberation. The Executive Board's decision to name Jeff Taschner as the new Executive Director comes as no surprise to me. Jeff has been DSEA's 'go-to guy' on many important issues, a wise and strong advocate for public education who has earned the respect of our leaders, members, and staff. Just as important, he is highly regarded by education policy makers, legislators, and the Governor's office. Jeff is a strong leader who knows the greatness of DSEA and its people, as well as the challenges it faces. I have no doubt that the organization is in good hands and that its future is bright with Jeff at its helm in partnership with President Jenner and her Leadership Team." Adds DSEA President Frederika Jenner, "The partnership and working relationship between president and executive director is critical to the success of the organization and to the wellbeing of staff and membership alike. I will miss having Howard as my very own partner, and the knowledge that he always had my back. Jeff Taschner is lucky to have the legacy of Howard's leadership to build upon." Brown and Matthews appointed to Exec. Board he DSEA Exec. Board is now complete with the appointment of two members, one representing Kent County members, and one New Castle County . They were chosen by the Exec. Board from letters submitted by interested members. Linda Brown is currently a second grade teacher at Towne Point Elementary School in Capital where Brown she has taught and been a DSEA member for 11 years. She has worked extensively with special education and resource teachers to help inclusions students with learning and behavioral challenges. Her term ends in August of 2014. Representing New Castle County on the Board is Mike Matthews. Although only teaching for three Matthews years, he has been an active member since the beginning as a DSEA Rep. Assembly delegate, involved in political action in school board and legislative races, and as an association rep for his colleagues at Richardson Park Elementary School in Red Clay, where he teaches fourth and fifth grade reading this year. Matthews' seat expires in August 31, 2013. T Congratulations to LFEA on successful referundum FEA, in collaboration with district officials, helped secure a December 4 victory when the voters in the Lake Forest School District approved an operating referendum and tax increase by a slim but winning margin of 753 to 734. Just 19 votes. The vote allows the district to increase local property taxes over a three-year period by 12.87¢ beginning July 1, 2013, by another 7.6¢ on July 1, 2014, and by another 4.91¢ on July 1, 2015 for a total increase of 25.38¢ per $100 assessed valuation. The operating referendum will support upgrading technology; address- L www.dsea.org ing school safety concerns; providing additional instructional and tutoring time; raising local-match transportation funds due to state budget cutbacks; and attracting and retaining high quality staff through a fiscally responsible compensation policy . "A lot of folks said we couldn't win this referendum with all the talk of a 'fiscal cliff ' and a downward economy, but the need to help the students and staff at Lake Forest absolutely necessitated the referendum going forward," says Toby Paone, UniServ Director for DSEA who is assigned to Lake Forest. "The members of the Lake Forest Education Association (LFEA) did a fantastic job of supporting this referendum through direct voter contact, educating our members and the public and finally, a strong get-out-the-vote effort. Every vote counted in this election, and they did terrific work." John Sell, Delaware's 2013 State Teacher of the Year from Sussex Tech and a resident of the Lake Forest School District, made an automated call on behalf of the referendum. Jack Polidori, DSEA's former Government Relations Director and recently retired NEA Government Relations Specialist, gave needed guidance at the beginning of the referendum planning, helping develop a 'game plan' for victory . DSEA retirees were poll-challengers on Election Day DSEA sup. ported LFEA with matching campaign funds which included direct mail to all NEA/DSEA members in the district in support of the referendum. Special thanks to LFEA's Karen Crouse and Amy Reed who spearheaded the local effort, plus every other member who volunteered in some way . Nov./Dec. 2012 DSEA ACTION! 3