TASB has named LaTonya Goffney, superintendent of Lufkin ISD, the 2017 Superintendent of the Year. Her win was announced October 7 at the TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas.
Goffney was selected from a group of state finalists that included Robert Jaklich, Victoria ISD, Region 3; Judd Marshall, Mount Pleasant ISD, Region 8; Thomas Randle, Lamar CISD, Region 4; and Jim Vaszauskas, Mansfield ISD, Region 11.
Noted by the selection committee were her focus on transparency, removing barriers, and sharing best practices for continuous improvement in the district. Also noted were the community forums and state-of-the-district breakfasts to gather input and share progress.
With 15 years of administration experience, Goffney serves about 8,175 students. She has led Lufkin ISD for four years. Goffney earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at Sam Houston State University.
Sponsored by TASB, the SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984. Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education.
Superintendents from any of the state’s local school districts are eligible for nomination by their school boards. Local nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which chooses one nominee to send to the state selection committee.
See her April 2018 speech to the Texas State Board of Education.
