CCISD board of trustees candidates answer introductory questions
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
There are three races for the Copperas Cove Independent School District board of trustees, but only one of them is a contested race.
Longtime incumbents Joan Manning (Place 4) and Mike Wilburn (Place 3) are running unopposed and will get to serve another three-year term.
For Place 5, the incumbent is Jeff Gorres, who is nearing the end of his first term of office. Heather Copeland filed to run for Place 5 as well.
The Leader-Press submitted questions to both candidates, to serve as an introduction to voters.
Jeff Gorres, CCISD board of trustees Place 5 incumbent
How long have you lived in Copperas Cove?
Moved to Copperas Cove in 1995.
What is your educational and professional background?
Serving Soldiers for 30 plus years, I have been fortunate to obtain several College degrees and Professional Certifications. Have earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering as well as professional certificate from the State of Arizona, and a Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management with certificates from Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Defense Emergency Management. The latest professional certification I obtained is as a Department of Defense Violence Prevention Workforce Tier2 professional. Have obtained numerous professional certifications dealing in Contract Oversight, Financial Management, Operations, Test and Evaluation, to name a few.
Why did you decide to run for the CCISD board of trustees (or in your case, continue serving)?
The district has made significant improvements in the last couple of years, from continuous improvement assessment, compensation, recruitment and retention, and accountability. In 2019 one of my concerns was that of school violence and ill-discipline. December 2021 there were several incidents of violence at the high school which demonstrate to me that we still have room for improvement. I have proposed and championed the recruitment for additional School Resource Officers to support safety and security of our students and staff of CCISD. Running to ensure that the progress in this action continues.
What clubs, churches, and/or other organizations are you a member of/involved with locally?
I am involved in supporting our church, education foundation, booster club, project graduation, you can find me at Cove stadium concession stand grilling as well as frying up great food for the fans to enjoy supporting the game.
Tell us about your family, hobbies, and other interests that our readers/voters might like to know about.
My Wife Teresa is a third-grade math teacher at Fairview Jewell Elementary School. Our four kids have always attended cove schools, Gabriella and John have graduated and are attending Texas State University, Jeremiah is a Junior and is in the band as well as Cove youth advisory council, and Madelynn is in eighth grade in the band and junior history club. Teresa and I also serve on the Texas State University Parent and Family advisory board.
Heather Copeland, CCISD Board of Trustees Place 5 Candidate
How long have you lived in Copperas Cove?
I first moved to Copperas Cove in Feb 1974, had two breaks - spent two and a half years in Hawaii 76-79, came back to Copperas Cove then spent 1982 in Ohio and came back here.
What is your educational and professional background?
I only have an associate’s degree, but I retired as a network engineer, a contractor on Fort Hood a few years ago.
Why did you decide to run for the CCISD board of trustees?
I am running for school board member because I have nieces and nephews in schools at every level here in Copperas Cove and I want to help ensure that we continue to maintain high standards in the education of the children in this district.
What clubs, churches, and/or other organizations are you a member of/involved with locally?
I have been actively involved in the church I attend, especially with the children. I attend church at the Copperas Cove church of Christ. I have worked with the Lion’s club and one year with the Education Foundation. I have been an officer in the Quarterback Club and worked in the concession stands many years.
Tell us about your family, hobbies, and other interests that our readers/voters might like to know about.
I managed several rental homes for many years, I am very involved with my family, and I just enjoy helping others with anything I am capable of doing. I like to work outside, making my yard look nice and using power tools are fun for me.
Early voting for the Nov. 8 election will begin on Monday, Oct. 24 and continue through Friday, Nov. 4. Polls in Copperas Cove are located at the Copperas Cove Early Voting Center, 508B Cove Terrace.
This year there also will be early voting hours on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29 and 30.