COPPERAS COVE – Copperas Cove ISD has, once again, received a top billing in financial integrity from the state.
Monday, the district announced it has achieved a perfect score in the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas for the third consecutive year. In the 21 years since the Texas Education Agency implemented FIRST, Copperas Cove ISD has never received below a “Superior” rating, the highest possible rating.
“Financial responsibility is incredibly important, not just for the operation of our district, but within the community, as well,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “Our business office works hard and does a great job at ensuring every dollar in our district is stretched as far as it can go to provide the best opportunities for every Bulldawg.”
The FIRST rating evaluates public school districts and charter schools across the state on 15 indicators, including operating expenses for instruction, tax collection rate, student-teacher ratios and long-term debt.
CCISD’s business services department has earned consecutive Awards of Merit from the Texas Association of School Business Officials, which recognizes public schools for work in following state purchasing guidelines.
FIRST was created as a financial integrity system by the Texas legislature in 2001 to encourage public schools in the state to better manage their financial resources.
“Our team works incredibly hard to be good stewards of the tax dollars we receive from our community,” said Chief Financial Officer Cliff Heath. “This work is the result of a collaborative effort from our business office team, department and campus leadership, district administration and the Board of Trustees. We’re confident that the community sees the work that goes into a rating like this and what it does to provide a safe and secure educational environment for every student.
Copperas Cove ISD will hold a public hearing to review this rating as part of its regular October workshop on Oct. 20, 2025. This hearing is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the Board Room, located at the District Service & Training Center on South Main Street.
For more information on the district’s financial operations, visit the Business Services webpage on the district website.