‘The least we can do’: Lufkin ISD expands childcare for employees

LUFKIN, Texas ( KETK ) – The Lufkin ISD school board unanimously passed several goals on Thursday to help students and faculty. One of those was the expansion of childcare for employees children.

The district’s goal that passed is to offer childcare for children as young as six weeks old for employees for the 2025-2026 school year.

For nearly 20 years now, the district has had a childcare system for toddlers. Lufkin ISD’s Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry said he has seen the system work.

“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,” 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.”

The goal is to have the childcare expansion no later than the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

“I’ve been a parent, I’ve had young children and you worry trying to figure out that piece so you can concentrate on the rest of your life. It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make as a parent,” Hockenberry said. “We want to give them peace of mind, and we want them to have peace of mind. It’s the least we can do.”

Hockenberry presented the idea to the board in their work session on Tuesday. He noted in that meeting that some employees have left the district mainly because of the lack of childcare and that he drew inspiration from other districts like Central and Longview.

“You’re seeing childcare program emerging other schools and it’s just time for us to meet our staff where they are and provide them what they need,” Hockenberry said.

The new program is still in it’s development stages. Hockenberry said he wants to hear feedback from staff and what they would like to see before implementing this the next school year.

Lufkin ISD said this proposal is one of eight that were approved by the board during their meeting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.