LPLC to Kick-off Listening Series on Learning Challenges and the Opportunity Gap

Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) announces an important leadership transition. Executive Director Maureen O’Toole will be stepping away from her position to attend to family health matters. The entire LPLC community expresses deep gratitude for Maureen’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to advancing our mission of helping students, families, and educators overcome learning challenges and reach their full potential.

During her tenure, Maureen guided the Center through a period of growth and adaptation while strengthening relationships with community partners, expanding access to services, and championing programs that ensure all learners have the tools and support they need to succeed. Her empathy, professionalism, and focus on mission-driven impact have left an enduring mark on the organization and those it serves.

Stepping into the role of Executive Director is Dr. Lindy Crawford, who previously led Lee Pesky Learning Center and now returns with optimism and a renewed vision for impact. Dr. Crawford brings deep institutional knowledge, decades of educational leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to the Center’s mission. Her familiarity with LPLC’s team, community, and the broader educational landscape in Idaho ensures continuity, stability, and momentum during this transition.

“Lee Pesky Learning Center’s professional expertise is second to none and it is my great honor to once again serve alongside an incredibly accomplished and deeply empathetic team,” said Dr. Crawford. “For close to 30 years, LPLC has led educational innovation using an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. I am excited to play a small part in our continued evolution.”

Board Chair Jim Foudy added, “We are profoundly grateful to Maureen for her care, leadership, and commitment to every learner we serve. We’re equally confident in welcoming Lindy back to guide LPLC into its next chapter. Her deep knowledge of LPLC and her passion for education will be a great asset to the organization during this transition period.”

For nearly three decades, Lee Pesky Learning Center has helped thousands of students, families, and educators overcome obstacles to learning through direct academic and clinical services, professional training, and community partnerships. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

School closures have widened the already existing opportunity gap in education. If we do not address these inequities full-on, there will be lifelong consequences for children who struggle.

Forecasts based on historical data from summer loss and previous school closures during natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina suggest that students will return to school this fall at about 65% of where they would have been. That is the average impact – it will not be felt equally. Students who were already struggling will fall further behind as students who were performing near the top will likely accelerate their learning.

The good news is that as a community, we can change this.

Join us for the Lee Pesky Learning Center and The Community Library’s three-part series about learning challenges, the opportunity gap and how we can use evidence-based practices and partnerships to meet the needs of all students.

During the first session, Dr. Evelyn Johnson, CEO of Lee Pesky Learning Center, and moderator Dr. Jenny Emery Davidson, Executive Director of The Community Library, will explain the widening opportunity gap for students with learning challenges, and how short-term set-backs can result in a lifetime of lost potential for students from underserved populations.

This first session of the three-part series will be streamed on Crowdcast at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. The presentation includes a moderated Q&A.

REGISTER HERE

Dr. Evelyn Johnson is the CEO of the Lee Pesky Learning Center and professor in the Early and Special Education Department at Boise State University’s College of Education. Lee Pesky Learning Center is a non-profit, based in Boise and in Hailey, that works with students, families, schools and communities to understand and overcome obstacles to learning.

Dr. Jenny Emery Davidson is the executive director of The Community Library, a privately funded public library in Ketchum, Idaho. The Library serves the Wood River Valley through its library services, contemporary programming, and museum resources, and works to bring information, ideas, and individuals together to enhance the cultural life of the community.

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