KNEA

TOPEKA – Since 1979, whenever public education became the focus of a policy initiative or debate, David Schauner would train his eye upon the issue. Indeed, the duties of the position of KNEA General Counsel are many- from representing the largest professional association in Kansas to representing individuals and arguing before the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Supreme Court.

Schauner has served as the KNEA General Counsel for over 39 years, having created the legal services program that significantly enhanced the legal and professional rights of Kansas educators.

In announcing his retirement, Schauner looks back on four decades of improving the rights of educators and making Kansas schools a better place for teachers and students. When asked about the highlight of his career he replied, “giving teachers a meaningful voice in their daily professional life.” As a native Kansan, Schauner applied his considerable talent and skill to a career as an educator and as an attorney for educators. When scholars look upon the history of litigation around public education in Kansas, David Schauner is and will always be a legend.

“The value our legal department brings to our organization is immeasurable and replacing David Schauner is an almost impossible task,” said Kevin Riemann, KNEA Executive Director.

“Kansas NEA is fortunate to have the perfect candidate ready to assume the role of General Counsel. Marjie Blaufuss brings almost three decades of experience working for KNEA as a staff attorney.”

Also a native Kansan, Blaufuss earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Emporia State University and taught students with severe disabilities before attending law school at the University of Kansas. Blaufuss worked as a research attorney at the Kansas Court of Appeals prior to joining KNEA.