Lufkin ISD Superintendent, Dr. James Hockenberry, proposed an exciting district goal during the Board’s work session on Tuesday, August 13, reinforcing the District’s dedication to initiating significant and positive changes, with a primary focus on meeting the needs of the District staff. Expressing the District’s commitment, Dr. Hockenberry recommended a new goal to implement an employee childcare program, allowing care for children as young as six weeks old, which is anticipated to be in place on or before the commencement of the 2025-26 school year.
During the work session, Dr. Hockenberry conveyed, “When you see it work and see employees at peace, it just makes sense. It will be simple and affordable for our staff. It can be deducted from payroll to eliminate the hassle on our staff. It is a genuine and meaningful benefit. When you create a benefit like this, you expand your reach to improve morale, recruit and retain staff, and build a sense of family. I appreciate the board’s consideration, recognition, and support of this important district goal.”
The information discussed during the Board’s work session on Tuesday highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing the District’s intention to provide support for employees with children. During convocation, Dr. Hockenberry confirmed the District’s readiness to prioritize staff needs by acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the education of our children and recognizing the significance of their personal lives outside of the school environment, particularly their roles as parents and grandparents. This proposal serves as a testament to the District’s commitment to the needs of its staff by establishing a program tailored to support employees with children.
Board President Kristi Gay spoke briefly about the childcare license the district currently possesses, and how looking into its reach and additional uses is a way to give back to our Panther family. Dr. Hockenberry concluded the introduction of the goal stating, “We want to help employees, and we need to be proactive in meeting staff where they are.”
This childcare goal is just one of eight proposed for approval by the Lufkin ISD School Board, who will vote on Thursday, August 13, 2024.
