Dr. Danielle Cook

As part of a separation agreement, the Frewsburg Central School District will pay former Superintendent Dr. Danielle Cook $153,681.

Cook resigned her position on Oct. 24, and on Dec. 1, she was to begin her probationary position as a school psychologist at Jamestown High School. According to Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education document, her probationary period ends Dec. 2, 2028, and for the 2025-2026 school year, her salary is $66,865.

The agreement between Cook and Frewsburg, obtained by The Post-Journal through a Freedom of Information Act request, stated that, “In consideration of undertakings and promises made by Cook under this agreement, the board agrees to provide Cook with a payment of $153,681 no later than 30 days after Board approval of this Agreement. All applicable taxes, withholdings, and deductions shall be withheld from the payment. It is acknowledged by Cook that no representations have been made by or on behalf of the board and/or district as to whether this lump sum payment may be counted in the calculation of her final average salary for purposes of her pension under the New York State Teachers Retirement System … and that such determination rests in the discretion of the NYSTRS.”

At its Dec. 2 meeting, by a 4 to 1 vote, the JPS board approved the measure. President Paul Abbott, Vice President Joe Pawelski, board members Nina Karbacka, and Frank Galeazzo voted in favor while board member John Panebianco cast the ‘no’ vote. Christine Schnars and Joe Calimeri were absent.

In a statement to the Frewsburg Board Cook said, “I have made the decision to step away from this role in order to prioritize my family and pursue new professional endeavors that allow me to reconnect with the work I love most.”

Cook had been on paid leave since June, when the Frewsburg School Board suspended her, and John McLaughlin, the district’s buildings and grounds maintenance supervisor. At a special Sept. 26 meeting, after an executive session, the Frewsburg School Board took action to terminate McLaughlin from his position effective Sept. 25.

Cook previously worked as superintendent of Randolph Academy Union Free School District, and a principal at Panama Central School.

A graduate of Penn State Behrend, Cook earned her B.A. in psychology, and earned a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, and Ed.S. in School Psychology from Edinboro University, now known as Pennsylvania Western University, Edinboro.

The pact also stated Cook agreed that she shall not make and/or post, nor cause anyone else to make and/or post, any derogatory comments and/or statements about the Frewsburg Board, its members, individually and/or in their official capacities, and/or its officers, employees, agents and/or independent contractors, either verbally, in writing and/or electronically.

Frewsburg board members also agreed, the agreement said, that individually and collectively, including once they are no longer members of the Frewsburg Board, they shall not make and/or post, nor cause anyone else to make and/or post, any derogatory comments about Cook with respect to her professional reputation and/or her performance of duties as superintendent of the schools of the district, either verbally, in writing and/or electronically.