As Reported by CBS2: Idaho Educational Leaders Partner to Shed Light on State Illiteracy

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.

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Idaho state data reveals that only 55% of Idaho first-grade students are reading at grade level.

This spring, Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC), Decoding Dyslexia, the West Ada School District and Boise State’s College of Education are coming together to shed light on our literacy crisis by providing a free screening of the film: The Truth about Reading, according to a recent news release.

The Truth about Reading: The Invisible Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight is a documentary made possible by John Corcoran, of the John Corcoran Foundation, and Nick Nanton of DNAFilms. The film shares the story of illiteracy and sub-literacy in America.

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in five individuals in the United States has a learning or attention difference. For children who face a pre-existing obstacle to their learning, receiving inadequate instruction in the classroom further compounds their learning challenges.

Lee Pesky Learning Center, an education nonprofit headquartered in Boise, creates pathways to learning for the one in five individuals facing obstacles to learning. LPLC’s educator training focuses on Pre-K to third grade.

LPLC’s Executive Director Dr. Lindy Crawford says, “Decoding Dyslexia, West Ada School District, and Boise State University understand the importance of early intervention and the need for teaching methodologies based on evidence. LPLC is honored to co-host The Truth About Reading, as a way to elevate awareness in our community.”

The upcoming screening of The Truth about Reading will be held on May 9 at 6 p.m. hosted at Simplot Ballroom, second floor of the Student Union Building, 1700 West University Drive in Boise.

For additional details and to secure your free ticket, click HERE.

View the original news release, as reported by CBS2, HERE.

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