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LAPLACE — The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board voted 9-2 to select Dr. Lynett Hookfin as the new superintendent of St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.

In addition to navigating a safe return to the classroom, Hookfin hopes to ignite a long-term culture shift within the St. John the Baptist Parish School District. She is ready to partner with the community and work together as a team throughout the process.

“To the community, I want you to know I appreciate the opportunity to serve. I’m looking forward to serving as a leader of this great community and doing what’s best for children,” Hookfin said. “I think that we have a journey ahead of us, and as we embark upon those challenges that we’re faced with, I want you to know that you are in great hands. I want you to know that I value your input, along with the input of the Board. We have so much to do, but we are going to keep children first as our priority.”

This position marks a return to Hookfin’s home state of Louisiana. Hookfin desires to increase student achievement in the St. John School District. Her experience in leading urban, suburban and rural districts has included a focus on strengthening special education programs.

She most recently served as deputy superintendent for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, where she served 23,000 students. Within the past three years, she has served as assistant superintendent for the Pittsburgh Public Schools Office of School Transformation and as a high school principal in the Santa Gertrudis Independent School District.

Hookfin has also worked as a middle school principal, education program manager and instructional coordinator/science specialist. Her experience in the classroom dates back to 1997.

In her résumé, Hookfin cited that her strengths include her commitment to develop and retain highly effective teachers and principals. She understands the importance of collaborating with School Board members for the best interest of children.

Hookfin earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Texas – Austin’s Cooperative Superintendency Program in 2018. She received a master of education in 2007 from Texas Southern University. She is also a 1994 graduate of Grambling State University.

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board members commended Hookfin and fellow superintendent finalist Bernard Chandler, noting both were capable candidates with stellar references.

Hookfin is expected to begin work in St. John the Baptist Parish within the next two to three weeks. During Thursday’s School Board meeting, the board voted unanimously to extend Interim Superintendent Corey Butler’s contract for an additional 30 days to allow time for the transition.

Hookfin’s résumé and her interview with the St. John Parish School Board can be viewed online at stjohn.k12.la.us.