The Lawrence school district has announced Cole Amaya as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning and Jennifer Georgie as the interim principal of Sunset Hill Elementary School.
Amaya is coming to Lawrence from the Kansas City, Kansas school district, where he is currently finishing his second year as director of secondary diploma+ and curriculum and instructional programs, according to a news release Monday. He previously worked in the same district as a high school principal, assistant principal and instructional coach over seven years.
“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.
The new assistant superintendent of teaching and learning position is “part of an overall administrative realignment and restructuring,” according to the release. Amaya is charged with working directly with classroom teachers in his oversight role.
Jana Craig-Hare, executive director of curriculum and instruction, has led the department since Chief Academic Officer Patrick Kelly’s retirement in 2024. Craig-Hare resigned, effective June 30, to accept a superintendent position in St. John-Hudson school district.
Amaya also previously served seven years as a student services coordinator, teacher on a team that developed curriculum and formed a teacher mentorship program, and high school teacher and soccer coach in the Independence, Missouri school district. He taught high school and coached soccer for two years in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, he participated in leadership academies in both Independence, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas schools.
“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.”
Georgie is in her second year as the district’s lead student and family support facilitator, working to improve student attendance, behavior outcomes and family engagement, according to the release. In her role, she helped develop the district’s restorative practices at all levels and social-emotional learning curriculum.
She temporarily fills the Sunset Hill principal position after Jeremy Philipp, who was named Southwest Middle School’s next assistant principal and athletic director.
“Jennifer Georgie brings passion and skills, an abiding commitment to the success of ALL students, and breadth of experience to lead well this year as the interim principal at Sunset Hill,” Swift said in the release. “We are truly grateful for her willingness to serve alongside the strong Sunset Hill staff and community, as we look forward to a successful 2025-26 school year.”
This year is Georgie’s 22nd in the district, first joining in 2003 as a prevention specialist working to reduce truancy and suspensions. Previously, she was the science and English Language Arts teacher, lead assistant administrator, and student support facilitator at West Middle School for 10 years. She also taught one year at South Middle School, before it was renamed to Billy Mills Middle School, and seven years at Deerfield Elementary School.
“I am excited to step into the role of interim principal of Sunset Hill Elementary,” Georgie said in the release. “Sunset has a long-standing reputation for excellence, built by a dedicated staff committed to student success. I look forward to building relationships with students, staff, and families as we work together to support student growth and continue the valued traditions of Sunset Hill.”
Swift said the district will begin its search for a permanent Sunset Hill principal in the fall.
Both Amaya’s and Georgie’s positions are effective July 1.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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