Lubbock-Cooper South Elementary Names New Principal

LUBBOCK, TX — Lubbock-Cooper South Elementary has announced that BJ Funk will take over as principal following the retirement of Frances Alonzo after 37 years with Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District.

Funk has worked at South Elementary for 22 years and is currently the assistant principal. He also taught 2nd and 4th grades. 

Funk graduated from Post High School and Wayland Baptist University. He and his wife, Tyra, have been married for 30 years and have two children, Zachary, 24, and Emily, 19. Both graduated from Lubbock-Cooper schools.

Funk shared his excitement about stepping into the new role, saying, “It’s a privilege to shape young minds and create a supportive environment where every child can succeed. I’m really looking forward to continuing the work at this amazing school.”

Frances Alonzo has been the principal at South Elementary for the past 15 years, where she worked to build strong relationships with Texas Tech University, Lubbock Christian University, South Plains College, and Lubbock-Cooper High School. 

Funk highly praised Alonzo, calling her an “exceptional leader” and a “dear friend.” 

He added, “Her dedication and vision have left a lasting mark on this school. She’ll definitely be missed, but her legacy will live on.”