“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” With the end of the first semester behind us, we press ahead to make 2015 even better than the past. I’m very pleased with the progress we’ve accomplished as a team, and I look forward to the new year and the excitement that it brings. Speaking of teams, I’m sure you all know by now that former Panther, Dez Bryant, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, is in the playoffs this weekend. He like so many others are success stories today because of people like you that influenced his life for good and helped him “X” out the negativity in his life. Yesterday, 300 Anderson Eagles, threw up the “X” to show support for Bryant from his former elementary school. You never know what influence you have on those around you, especially the little ones around you, and how you could be the difference to set his or her life on the right course. I wish you the very best in the new year and I suggest we all “X” out the negativity around us and look forward to creating a positive year!
Lufkin ISD’s Anderson Elementary shows its love for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, who attended the school.
Dr. LaTonya Goffney was named Lufkin ISD Superintendent in 2013. A native of Coldspring, Dr. Goffney began her career as a language arts teacher in Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD. Additionally, she served as assistant principal and principal before serving as superintendent at Coldspring-Oakhurst for five years. Dr. Goffney earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and English, a Master of Education degree in administration, and a Doctorate of Education degree in Educational Leadership, all from Sam Houston State University.
In her new role as Superintendent of Lufkin ISD, Dr. Goffney has focused on building community support. She has established an Education Foundation to enhance educational opportunities for all students through innovative teacher grants, a Strategic Planning group involving more than 100 community members and created a Hispanic advisory committee called the Nuestras Madres to connect with the Hispanic mothers in the district. She implemented the Panther Community Forums, which are quarterly meetings to address topics with the community and parents. Dr. Goffney began the Team Lufkin ISD Student Ambassadors, a high school student advisory group to the superintendent. Annually, she hosts Lufkin ISD Evento en Español to inform the Hispanic community of educational opportunities.
Dr. Goffney was the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Administrator of the Year Award selected by the faculty of Sam Houston State University College of Education. She was named as one of only 22 members of the 2012-2013 Class of Phi Delta Kappa International Emerging Leaders. The PDK Emerging Leaders program recognizes top educators from across the world.
She currently serves on the following civic boards: Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, The Coalition, and Angelina County Economic Development. She is president-elect of the Texas Council of Women School Executives and was recently elected as recording secretary to the Texas Association of Black School Educators. Dr. Goffney also serves on the Executive Board of the Texas Association of School Administrators.
Dr. Goffney is married to Joseph Goffney. They have two children, Joseph, Jr., 14, and Joslyn, 10. Dr. Goffney and her husband, Joseph, have co-authored a book titled All is Well as a tribute to their special needs son. Their story has been featured in several local magazines.
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Dr. LaTonya Goffney 