Lufkin school board officially names new superintendent

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - Dr. James Hockenberry has been officially voted in as the new superintendent for Lufkin ISD. He will begin his new role Wednesday, May 1. “It’s a relief,” Hockenberry said. “Twenty-one days is a long time, so I’m very excited and relieved. Can’t wait to get here and get started.” After the position became vacant last August, the board began a lengthy process of searching. Forty-three applicants later, Hockenberry was hired for the job. The position has a base pay of $235,000 a year. “When we were hiring for superintendent of course are experience in the superintendent role, we look for educational experience, we look for background,” Kristi Gay, the president of the school board of trustees, said. Before coming to Lufkin, Hockenberry was the assistant superintendent of Longview ISD. In total, he has 29 years of experience in the education field. During the meeting, he said he is ready to get to work. “My first order of business is to be on campuses and at any community event I can be at for the first three days,” Hockenberry said. The school board announced that Hockenberry was the lone finalist for the position earlier this month, but Monday’s meeting made it official.