COPPERAS COVE - Copperas Cove ISD has officially launched its Long-Range Facilities Planning process, beginning with the first of several scheduled meetings of a newly reconvened Facilities Planning Committee—composed largely of parents, community members, local leaders, students, and district staff.
The committee will work closely with district administrators, architects, and financial advisors over the next several months to evaluate current facility needs and chart a course for the future of Copperas Cove schools.
Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins said the committee plays a crucial role in helping the district make informed, community-guided decisions about how to maintain and modernize its schools.
“Our schools are one of the community’s greatest investments,” Hawkins said. “It’s vital that we protect that investment by taking care of our school buildings, that we regularly review and plan for facility needs—not only to keep up with enrollment growth, but to ensure our students are learning in safe, up-to-date, and innovative environments that support 21st-century education.”
During the committee’s first meeting, members were briefed on the current state of district facilities, reviewed enrollment projections, and discussed key challenges and opportunities facing Copperas Cove ISD. Committee members also had the opportunity to voice concerns and share their thoughts on previous facility planning efforts.
“As a parent and taxpayer, it’s important for me to know that the district is thinking ahead,” said committee member Jennifer Cotter. “Being part of this process allows us to ask questions, offer ideas, and help shape the decisions that will impact students for years to come.”
The Facilities Planning Committee is expected to meet at least three more times, with the possibility of additional meetings as needed. The group will tour campuses, examine data, review financial scenarios, and ultimately develop a set of recommendations to present to the Board of Trustees.
District leaders emphasized that the long-range planning process is not just about addressing immediate facility concerns, but about creating a roadmap that aligns with the district’s vision and values—prioritizing equity, student outcomes, and good financial stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
“We’re not just looking at buildings,” said Dr. Jimmy Shuck, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Support. “We’re asking, ‘Are our learning spaces keeping pace with what students need today? Are we taking care of the facilities our community built for us?’ This process gives us a chance to answer those questions together.”
Updates about the committee’s progress and future meeting dates will be posted to the district’s website. Community members are encouraged to follow along and stay engaged as the process moves forward.