Janis Bianco
Rondout Valley Federation of Teachers and School-Related Professionals
Janis Bianco has been a union activist for some 30 years, as long as she has been an employee of the Rondout Valley schools. Bianco is sometimes called "Mary Poppins" and the word "no" has never been a part of her vocabulary. She is always there when anyone needs assistance with the many projects and tasks that tend to arise, both in union work and in the district. Currently a third vice president, Bianco has served on numerous negotiating teams, lending words of wisdom and creativity to get contracts settled. She is known for looking at the big picture and keeping her union vision clear and in the forefront.
After starting out as a building representative, Bianco was elected president of the Secretarial Unit. She played a key role in the merging of the secretarial, paraprofessional and teacher units to form the umbrella local Rondout Valley Federation of Teachers and School-Related Professionals. She serves as vice president of membership, bringing years of experience to the table, sharing and encouraging others to participate, take active roles and stay committed to the union mission.