Molly Janczyk: Comments on Dennis Leone's leadership and service award

From Molly Janczyk, April 6, 2007
Subject: Dennis Leone: Recognized for Educator Advocate

Dennis Leone is again being recognized for leadership in education by the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Scholars as an advocate for Ohio Educators. He is 1 of 3 being recognized.

Leone rec'd an Ohio Ethics award from the Gov't Finance Officers in 2005 and the First Amendment Award for Journalism from the Ohio chapter of the Society of Professional Journalism in 2004 for his report on STRS.

It is puzzling to me why he is not courted by State Organizations for Active and Retired Educators for his input and widely recognized educator advocacy positions. Most retired educators statewide hold him in high regard knowing the invaluable role he has assumed on our behalf. He has had to fight for change on the STRS Board until recently joined by investment appointees who seem to understand their role under the ORC to stand solely for membership.

Tom Mooney, departed Pres. of OFT, met and spoke with Leone and Lazares regularly openly discussing and formulating goals for educators. Sadly, Mooney is sorely missed for his aggressive advocacy role and ability to communicate with everyone who could help educators, something not widely evidenced by other organizations.