As Reported by CBS2: Lee Pesky Learning Center Expands Literacy Pods for English Learners in Blaine County

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.

The Lee Pesky Learning Center is expanding its literacy programming this fall for English language learners in Blaine County.

As an educational non-profit with a focus on creating pathways to learning for everyone, they are expanding their services, all thanks to a $69,850 grant from the Idaho Out-of-School Network.

LPLC’s Literacy Pods launched three years ago as a summer pilot program for English learners to offset school closure impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wood River Valley by providing ‘after school’ support for English Learners and other students.

LPLC is currently serving 27 elementary-aged students four days each week at Bellevue Elementary School in Blaine County.

“LPLC’s Literacy Pods program creates an impact on students that will last forever, explains LPLC’s Literacy Pods Program Director Jahziel Hawley-Maldonado. “Seeing their growth and confidence as readers is very satisfying and

helps me to see the value we are creating in their lives.”

Lessons delivered by LPLC focus on letter-sound fluency, phonemic awareness, sight words, and decoding.

The program will continue to expand throughout the academic year, leaders tell CBS 2, providing a key support to schools in helping all students develop their reading skills.

This after school program is in partnership with the YMCA and Far & Wise.

And that’s not all – the Lee Pesky Learning Center is also expanding its Literacy Pods model in the Vallivue School District thanks to the support of funding from the Silver Family Foundation.

You can view the original article, as reported by Sarah Jacobsen of CBS2 here.

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