LUT Welcomes Our Recording Secretary-Elect

Posted: 
Friday, June 17, 2022
On Wednesday, June 15, the members of the Levittown United Teachers (LUT) voted in Gardiners Avenue Elementary School teacher, Jen Gorske, as the next Recording Secretary of the LUT. Jen won a competitive election over MacArthur High School Computer TA, Lisa Cristallo and Division Avenue High School Science Teacher, Joseph Sparaco. 
 
Jen Gorske has been active in the LUT for many years both as a Building Representative and as our Liaison for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Jen has also represented the LUT at the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Leadership Conference.
 
When asked how she felt about winning the election and assuming her position as an LUT Officer, Gorske said, “I am thrilled to be the new LUT Recording Secretary.” “Making the members feel supported and heard will be the driving force during my term.” “Thank you so much for your support!”
 
Jen’s experience as an elementary school teacher as well as her degrees in Special Education and Literacy make her a perfect replacement for outgoing Recording Secretary, Heidi Savino. For many years, Heidi Savino was a powerful voice in union leadership who knew first-hand the needs of the students and teachers in the six elementary schools in our district.
 
Heidi Savino is retiring from the Levittown School District after an impressive career as an educator and union leader. Savino started teaching in Levittown in 1992. Before assuming the role of Recording Secretary in 2015, she was a Building Representative at Abbey Lane Elementary School. Heidi has also served the LUT as a Trustee of our Supplemental Benefits Fund since 2017. 
 
When asked to reflect on her outstanding career and give a message to the LUT membership, Heidi wrote the following remarks:
 
“Being educators, so much of our identities are tied into our profession. I have had a wonderful career here in Levittown. It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to be part of the LUT leadership. Before I became a building representative, I really didn’t even know what the union did. I learned that the main role of the union was to protect the four corners of the contract, our working conditions among other things. The LUT also strives to advocate for members on issues that might not be contractual in nature. I’m sure many of you can remember a time in the distant past or present when the LUT has supported and stood by you during a different time and/or during difficult meetings with administration. Having worked behind the scenes, I’m so proud to have been included in such a caring, professional, hard-working, and persistent leadership team. Congratulations to Jen Gorske! I’m confident she will do an amazing job. Have a great summer!"
 
At a recent LUT meeting, LUT President, John Caulfield, thanked Heidi for her years of service to our union, and complimented her on her professionalism, passion, and the expertise she brought to her work.
 
“Heidi is a true unionist - in every sense of the word; never self-serving. Acting always with the best interests of the members and union in mind,” Caulfield said. “Heidi is also the definition of efficient. Always working in a well-organized, competent way. She is also a friend, and I will miss her being part of our team. I wish her the very best in this next exciting chapter of her life!”
 
Jen Gorske’s term as an officer will officially begin on July 1, 2022. At that time, Jen will begin to serve the remaining two years of Heidi Savino’s term as Recording Secretary. Best of luck and congratulations to Jen as she begins this new chapter of her career as an LUT Officer.

 

Found in: