COPPERAS COVE – On Tuesday evening, the Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr. Brent Hawkins as the Lone Finalist for Superintendent of Schools in Copperas Cove ISD.

Dr. Hawkins brings over 16 years of experience as a superintendent in Texas public schools, most recently serving in Livingston ISD since June 2014, making him the longest-tenured superintendent in Livingston’s 100-year history. With more than 32 years of experience in Texas public education, Dr. Hawkins is poised to lead Copperas Cove ISD to new heights.

“I am not only honored but humbled to join Copperas Cove ISD,” Hawkins expressed. “My family and I look forward to making Copperas Cove our home. I am excited to work to ensure the standards of excellence set by this district are continued. I am dedicated to working as a team with our staff, parents, and community to ensure that every student in our schools reaches their full potential and becomes the best version of themselves.”

During his tenure in Livingston ISD, Dr. Hawkins significantly improved the district in various aspects, including academic performance, staff retention, finance, and available programs. Under his leadership, Livingston’s campus performance rose from the lowest 5% in the state to a “B” district, with three “A” campuses and two recognized in the U.S. News & World Report’s Top 40, despite more than half of the students being economically disadvantaged.

“Dr. Hawkins brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and expertise to our district,” said Joan Manning, President of the CCISD Board of Trustees. “He projects a confident, but humble spirit and wants only the best for our district. I am personally excited that he will consider the district his ‘work family’ and understands there must be new, deep relationships forged to ensure a successful district.”

Financially, Dr. Hawkins made strides in capital improvement projects and refinanced district debt, saving Livingston taxpayers $13 million. His leadership also enhanced the district’s salary and compensation plan.

“Dr. Hawkins impressed me with his comment that changing the lives of those we serve is important,” noted Mike Wilburn, CCISD Board of Trustees Secretary. “He also said, ‘We need to be a family,’ and that attitude is important for our district.”

In 2024, the Livingston ISD Board of Trustees nominated Dr. Hawkins for Superintendent of the Year, praising his efforts to reduce professional staff turnover from 27.7% in 2014 to 10% in recent years, his student-first leadership approach, and his ability to handle tragic situations with poise and strength.

“Dr. Hawkins is a proven leader who will continue the excellence of CCISD and maintain our district as the premier district of choice in central Texas,” said John Gallen, vice president of the CCISD Board of Trustees.

Dr. Hawkins has also served as Deputy Director for Administrative Services for the TEA’s Region 6 Education Service Center, Superintendent at Woden ISD, and held various roles at Diboll ISD, including coach, principal, curriculum director, and superintendent. He has experience as a principal in Leggett ISD, assistant principal in Shepherd ISD, and teacher and coach in Wells ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, and Diboll.

Dr. Hawkins holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University, completing his doctorate in educational leadership in 2011.

Dr. Hawkins is married to his wife of 27 years, Jenny. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.

State law mandates a 21-day waiting period before the CCISD Board of Trustees can officially hire Dr. Hawkins as the district’s next superintendent. The meeting to finalize the appointment is scheduled for January 9th, at 2 p.m. in the Board Room at the CCISD Service & Training Center on South Main Street.

“I could not be more eager to meet and get to know everyone that makes Copperas Cove so special,” Hawkins said.