COPPERAS COVE – The fine arts programs in Copperas Cove are set to see significant improvements following the recent approval of upgrades to the Lea Ledger Auditorium at Copperas Cove High School. On Tuesday, the CCISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved these upgrades, marking the first major improvements to the facility since its opening in 2000.

The upgrades will enhance safety features and provide a better experience for all students using the facility from various CCISD campuses. Superintendent Dr. Joe Burns highlighted the necessity of these upgrades, mentioning issues such as a curtain cable cutting into a water line above the stage. The new riggings for the curtains will ensure a long, safe future for the auditorium and keep it operational for the foreseeable future. These improvements will also enhance the opportunities available to students in the district’s fine arts programs, including band, choir, and theatre.

The district aims to implement these improvements as quickly as possible. Lea Ledger Auditorium is a vital venue for groups of all ages, from elementary school choirs to junior high and high school band, choir, and theatre. It also serves as the home for Crossroads High School’s commencement ceremonies each year.

In addition to approving the auditorium upgrades, the trustees also approved a canvass of the November Board of Trustees election. The official results will see Sherry Hoffpauir in Place 1 and Timothy Traeger in Place 2 upon their swearing-in in December. Superintendent Burns expressed his gratitude for the service of outgoing board members Mrs. Faison and Ms. Davis and looked forward to continued collaboration with them in the school community.

The board also accepted a donation of more than $44,000 from the Copperas Cove Education Foundation for its annual Innovative Teaching Grants. Donations from the Lady Dawg Volleyball Booster Club and Pride of Cove Band & Color Guard Booster Club were also approved, providing additional opportunities for students in those programs.

The board’s next regular workshop is scheduled for Noon on December 9th, with its regular December meeting at 6:30 p.m. the following evening. Agendas for board meetings are posted outside the CCISD Service & Training Center at 408 S. Main St. 72 hours prior and can be viewed online once posted.