The Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees took decisive action Tuesday evening, approving both emergency repairs to a flood-damaged elementary campus and updates to the district’s salary schedule aimed at boosting staff retention and competitiveness.

Trustees voted to raise the starting teacher salary to $56,000—a $3,000 increase. Thanks to funding from House Bill 2, teachers with more than two years of experience will receive a $2,500 raise, while those with over five years will see a $5,000 bump. Additionally, all administrative, auxiliary, and clerical staff will receive a 3% raise from the midpoint of their pay scale.

“One of the first things we put into place after I arrived in January was a staffing and salary study,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “We are committed to making our salary schedule more competitive as we go. This is just the first step.”

Employees can expect to see the increases reflected in their September paychecks.

The board also approved a contract with Legefy Roofing, LLC, to repair the roof at Williams/Ledger Elementary, which sustained extensive damage during recent rains. Repairs will be needed across all three buildings on the campus.

“We are already mitigating the widespread damage,” said Dr. Hawkins. “We know families have questions with school starting in just a month. We expect to have a full update on the scope and timeline of repairs by the middle of next week and will communicate directly with WLE families and staff.”

Trustees approved updates to the district’s fund balance, allocating portions of the $76 million audited total to cover key expenses:

• $26 million remains unassigned for operating costs
• $5 million for previously approved repairs and retention incentives
• $6 million to offset the current budget deficit
• $11 million for insurance deductibles
• $7.5 million for deferred maintenance
• $1 million for Williams/Ledger repairs
• $16.9 million for new construction
• $2.5 million for renovations

These allocations do not affect taxpayers and are intended to address needs beyond the general operating budget.

The board’s next workshop is scheduled for noon on August 11, followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m. on August 12. Both will be held at the District Service & Training Center on South Main Street. Agendas are posted 72 hours in advance and available on the School Board page of the CCISD website. Meetings are recorded and uploaded to the district’s YouTube channel within 48 hours.