Copperas Cove ISD Announces New Director of Career & Technical Education

COPPERAS COVE – Copperas Cove Independent School District (CCISD) has appointed Robert Turner as the district’s new Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE). Turner, who was previously the associate principal at Copperas Cove High School, will oversee the implementation and growth of various career programs.

“I am honored to step into the role of Director of CTE for Copperas Cove ISD,” said Turner. “CCISD has incredible students and dedicated educators, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue building a strong and successful CTE program. Our goal is to provide students with meaningful, high-quality experiences that prepare them for future careers and postsecondary success.”

Turner brings extensive experience to his new role, having served as an assistant principal and interim principal at Copperas Cove Jr. High, and taught science at S.C. Lee Jr. High. His leadership helped the 2024 graduating class achieve a 98% College, Career & Military Preparedness mark, the highest in school history.

“Skills, crafts, and trades are essential to ensuring that our students are prepared and ready for life beyond their school experiences,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “We are excited to see our career programs flourish and grow under Mr. Turner’s leadership.”

In addition to Turner’s appointment, the trustees approved a contract with Goodwin Lasiter, or GLS, as the district’s new architect. This agreement aims to address future facility needs and improve learning environments for the district’s nearly 8,000 students.

Trustees also approved the 2025-26 school calendar, which includes the following key dates:

• New teachers report: July 29th
• Returning teachers report: July 30th
• Students begin class: August 14th
• Four-day weekends: October 10th-13th, November 8th-11th, February 12th-16th, April 2nd-6th
• Thanksgiving Break: November 24th-28th
• Christmas Break: December 22nd-January 2nd (students return on January 6th)
• Spring Break: March 16th-20th

The board also introduced a $500 recruitment stipend for non-hiring employees who successfully recruit professional staff members to CCISD. There is no limit to the number of stipends an individual staff member can receive.

“Our goal is to attract quality people to our district,” Hawkins said. “We hope our staff and community see the value in recruiting high-quality teachers and administrators to improve how we serve students.”

The Board of Trustees is scheduled to hold its next regular April workshop and meeting on April 7th and April 8th at the District Service & Training Center on South Main Street. Agendas will be posted 72 hours prior to each meeting and can be viewed here.