Dr. James Hockenberry and his wife Mary at the Special Called Board Meeting at DEC. (Photo by: ANDY ADAMS/Lufkin ISD)
The Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees met tonight at the District Education Center to officially name Dr. James Hockenberry as the Lufkin ISD Superintendent of Schools. The decision was unanimous.
After the state-required 21-day waiting period, Hockenberry’s first day will be Wednesday, May 1. Board President Kristi Gay invited those in attendance and the community to attend a Meet & Greet in Hockenberry’s honor on Sunday, May 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the new Lufkin Middle School campus on Tulane Avenue.
Hockenberry brings extensive knowledge of public education and 29 years of experience to the position. Since January 2020, Hockenberry has served as the Longview ISD Assistant Superintendent for District Services. He spent 14 years as a superintendent in two districts, Center and Chireno. Before that, he was a principal, assistant principal and science teacher.
Hockenberry has earned three degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University: a Bachelor of Science in 1991, Master of Education in 1999 and Doctorate of Education in 2010.
Hockenberry and his wife, Mary, who was in attendance, are looking forward to living in Lufkin. His first three days are planned to visit campuses, meet staff and students and attend community events.
“It’s going to be fun,” Hockenberry said. “Let’s get to work.”
(Video by: CALEB BEAMES/LHS AV Instructor)