photo by: Lawrence Public Schools

Cole Amaya

The Lawrence school district has selected Cole Amaya as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning.

The assistant superintendent position is part of an administrative restructuring as the district prioritizes directing resources to support student needs and improve staff compensation, according to a press release from the Lawrence school district.

“I’m excited to step into the role of assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for Lawrence Public Schools,” Amaya said in the release. “I’m committed to empowering our students and staff, driving innovation, and building a vibrant learning community together!”

Amaya will begin serving as assistant superintendent on July 1, focusing primarily on overseeing curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

“We are delighted to welcome Cole Amaya, a proven leader who demonstrates a commitment to quality learning and opportunities for all students; he has lived that commitment through his record of service,” Superintendent Jeanice Swift said in the release. “His experience in inspiring a culture of teaching and learning, collaborating to improve practice by working alongside gifted teacher leaders and principals in schools, as well as his skills in the adept use of data and strengthening of systems to inform the work make him a strong selection.”

Jana Craig-Hare, executive director of curriculum and instruction, has been leading the department since the retirement of Chief Academic Officer Patrick Kelly last year. She has announced her resignation, effective July 30, and has accepted a superintendent position with the St. John-Hudson school district in south-central Kansas.

Amaya is currently finishing his second year as a director in the Kansas City, Kansas School District. Prior to that, he spent seven years in the district serving as a high school principal, assistant principal, and instructional coach.

Amaya also spent seven years in the Independence, Missouri School District, where he served as a student services coordinator, a high school teacher, and a soccer coach. During that time, he was on a team that developed curriculum and established a teacher mentorship program. He also taught high school and coached soccer for two years in the Kansas City, Missouri, School District. Additionally, he participated in leadership academies in both the Independence and Kansas City, Kansas, school districts.

He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and educational specialist’s degrees at the University of Central Missouri. He is currently completing his doctorate through William Woods University.