Copperas Cove ISD continues to stand out as one of Texas’ strongest supporters of military‑connected students, with nine campuses earning renewal of their Purple Star designations, the Texas Education Agency announced Wednesday. This year’s honorees include Copperas Cove High School, Central Texas Innovation Academy (formerly Crossroads High School), Fairview/Jewell Elementary, Hettie Halstead Elementary, Williams/Ledger Elementary, Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy, Martin Walker Elementary, S.C. Lee Jr. High, and House Creek Elementary.
Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins said the renewals reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to families who serve. “Our military-connected families spend their lives in service of our great nation,” Hawkins said. “This designation isn’t just an award, it provides a framework for us to better serve these families who serve us through our schools. I am incredibly proud of these nine campuses for the work they’ve done to serve these students, and I look forward to soon returning our district to 100% Purple Star status.”
Copperas Cove ISD became just the 13th district in Texas to achieve 100% Purple Star status in 2024. With nearly half of all CCISD students identified as military‑connected, the district has the highest percentage of Fort Hood‑connected students in the state.
What It Takes to Earn the Purple Star
The Purple Star Campus Designation program was created by the 86th Texas Legislature through SB 1557, taking effect in April 2020. To earn the designation, campuses must:
- Appoint a campus‑based military liaison
- Maintain an accessible webpage with resources for military families
- Implement a transition program for students arriving from military moves
- Support a military family assistance initiative
All Texas public schools are eligible, regardless of military‑connected population size. This year, 329 campuses statewide earned the designation.
Copperas Cove ISD has never had fewer than eight Purple Star campuses since the program began. This is a testament to the district’s long‑standing commitment to supporting families who often face frequent relocations, deployments, and unique educational challenges.
“We are appreciative of the service and sacrifice our veterans and their families make every day in service to us,” Hawkins said. “We will continue to ensure we provide every opportunity for a great experience in Bulldawg Nation for every family, especially those who are protecting our nation and freedom.”
