Jamestown Public Schools has hired Laura Penhollow as the new coordinator of extended learning.

Penhollow is taking over the position from Amanda Gesing, who was named the YWCA executive director.

As the coordinator of extended learning, Penhollow will be responsible for the development, coordinating, and monitoring of grant writing and leading the programs associated with these grants. Penhollow will also be responsible for developing partnerships with parents, community leaders and organizations and coordinating, scheduling, and managing after school programming and other extended learning activities.

“I am so excited to have Laura join our Instructional Services team at JPS,” said Michelle McDowell, JPS chief academic officer. “I have no doubts that Laura’s knowledge, experience and passion for students will not only enhance existing programs and partnerships, but further extended learning opportunities for our students.”

Penhollow has 14 years of educational experience. She most recently worked at Washington Middle School as a Spanish teacher. She started her career at Lansingburgh High School in Troy, N.Y., also as a Spanish teacher. Mrs. Penhollow attended Alfred University receiving a degree in Spanish with a minor in education. She received her master’s degree at SUNY Albany in General Education Studies and is currently working on her School District Leader and School Building Leader certifications at the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester with a completion date in August 2021.

While at Washington Middle School, Mrs. Penhollow was a member of the Tier 2 PBIS Team, PLC Leader Team, and SCEP Team. She has also participated in numerous professional development workshops both at JPS and in other districts.

“I am truly passionate about this job; being able to support students through multiple learning opportunities, including outside agencies is extremely important,” Penhollow said. “I am a firm believer in the concept of using community resources to create a positive and equitable learning environment. Creating a community with valuing relationships first is my main belief. I hope to create a rigorous, inclusive, and nurturing learning community where students are inspired to be inquisitive, collaborative, and innovative life-long learners who will transform the world.”

Penhollow lives in Jamestown with her husband Brad and their two children, Jace and Ryan.