COPPERAS COVE – Nine campuses in Copperas Cove have received renewal of their Purple Star designations.
Wednesday, the Texas Education Agency announced the nine renewals of 11 campuses in Copperas Cove ISD, awarded to Copperas Cove High School, Central Texas Innovation Academy (formerly Crossroads High School), Fairview/Jewell Elementary, Hettie Halstead Elementary, House Creek Elementary, Williams/Ledger Elementary, Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy, Martin Walker Elementary and S.C. Lee Jr. High.
“Our military-connected families spend their lives in service of our great nation,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “This designation isn’t just an award, it provides a framework for us to better serve these families who serve us through our schools. I am incredibly proud of these nine campuses for the work they’ve done to serve these students, and I look forward to soon returning our district to 100% Purple Star status.”
In 2024, Copperas Cove ISD became just the 13th district in Texas to become a 100% Purple Star district. With almost half of CCISD students currently military-connected, Copperas Cove ISD has the highest percentage of military-connected students associated with Fort Hood.
The Purple Star Campus Designation program was launched by the 86th Texas Legislature through SB 1557 and took effect on April 9, 2020. Since the award first launched, CCISD has never had fewer than eight Purple Star designated campuses.
To earn the award, schools must designate a campus-based military liaison, create and maintain an easily accessible webpage that includes information for military-connected students and their families, institute a campus transition program for military-connected students and they must support a military family assistance initiative.
All public schools in Texas are eligible for a Purple Star designation, regardless of military-connected population size. This year, the state awarded 329 designations.
“We are appreciative of the service and sacrifice our veterans and their families make every day in service to us,” Dr. Hawkins said. “We will continue to ensure we provide every opportunity for a great experience in Bulldawg Nation for every family, especially those who are protecting our nation and freedom.”