Danielle Cook

A former Frewsburg Central School administrator has been hired by the Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education.

Dr. Danielle Cook, former Superintendent of the Frewsburg Central School District, was to begin her probationary position as a school psychologist at Jamestown High School on Dec. 1. According to a district document, her probationary period ends Dec. 2, 2028, and for the 2025-2026 school year, her salary is $66,865.

By a 4 to 1 vote, the JPS board approved the measure Tuesday. 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.

Cook resigned her Frewsburg position on Oct. 24.

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.

“We are unable to comment on individual personnel appointments,” Jamestown Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said. “Like any other employee, every appointment goes through our standard hiring and interviewing procedure.”