LUFKIN, Texas — Lufkin ISD is planning on setting some major goals at its board meeting Thursday, including the aspirations of having an employee childcare program.
On Tuesday, Lufkin ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry proposed the goal to have an employee childcare program in place on or before the start of the 2025-26 academic year. The program would be open to care for children as young as 6 weeks old.
This goal is one of eight 2024-25 district goals that will be proposed for approval at the Lufkin ISD board meeting Thursday at 6 p.m.
According to the school district, Hockenberry, who was named superintendent in April, said having the program would be simple and affordable for the Lufkin ISD staff.
"It can be deducted from payroll to eliminate the hassle on our staff. It is a genuine and meaningful benefit," Hockenberry said. "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.”
During a convocation speech, Hockenberry said it's important to recognize the significance of the staff's personal lives outside of the school environment, especially their roles as parents and grandparents. The proposal shows the district’s commitment to staff needs by establishing a program that supports employees with children, according to Lufkin ISD.
“We want to help employees, and we need to be proactive in meeting staff where they are," Hockenberry said.