CCISD board approves purchases, recognizes students and retirees

By BRITTANY FHOLER 
Cove Leader-Press

The Copperas Cove Independent School District Board of Trustees approved several purchases exceeding $25,000 and recognized the CCHS DECA Chapter for their work competing at the International DECA Competition at the board’s May meeting held Tuesday evening. 
The board approved four purchases, totaling more than $192,000, using budgeted funds for the purchase of window and entrance replacements at the Crossroads High School Gym, a fluid and air power system for the new Transportation Facility and the purchase of two trucks for maintenance for the Transportation Department and two new cargo vans for the Child Nutrition Services department. 
The frames surrounding the windows at the Crossroads High Gym have decayed and rotted since installation while the windows appear to be original to the building. Killeen Glass and Mirror was selected as the vendor to replace all of the windows and replace the front doors for $49,800.
The fluid and air management system will make the new transportation facility as efficient as possible, by allowing mechanics to access fluids and air at each bay. Arnold Oil was selected as the contractor, with the cost of $41,890.75 including installation. 
The two trucks from Caldwell Chevrolet Country for a total of $52,610 will replace a 1994 and 1997 truck with the Transportation Department. The two cargo vans for the Child Nutrition Services are also from Caldwell Chevrolet Country, for a total of $48,292.
The board also approved a financial advisory agreement with SAMCO Capital Markets, Inc.
The board approved a revision to Policy FEC (LOCAL), the final policy to be approved because of the adoption of the District of Innovation Plan. This policy addressed the awarding of credit or final grade based on factors including assignments, tests, projects, classroom activities and other instructional activities when extenuating circumstances prevent a student from meeting the 90 percent attendance rule. 
The board approved the 2018-2019 Communities in Schools (CIS) contract that will provide services to all campuses except for the Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy campus. CCISD will only pay 45 percent of the total contract cost, $401,212.00, paying $180,545.00, which is an increase of $3,540 compared to the 2017-2018 contract. 
The board also approved the 2018-2019 Killeen Armed Services YMCA agreement. The ASYMCA offers low cost child care at all of the elementary and also offers reduced fees and scholarships based on an individual’s ability to pay. As a result, the district does not charge a facility use fee to the ASYMCA. 
The board recognized the Copperas Cove High School DECA students who competed at the International DECA Competition under the direction of adviser/teacher Charlotte Heinze. 
They also recognized Emily Kimball of Clements/Parsons Elementary who was named a Central Texas Incredible Kid. Kimball, who is also the 2018 Five Hills Ambassador of the Five Hills Royalty, cohosted the 2017 Howl-O-Ween Puppy Pawlooza and has plans to raise money for a dog park in Copperas Cove.  
The board recognized the student council programs at Martin Walker Elementary School, House Creek Elementary and Williams/Ledger Elementary school for receiving the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) 2018 American Student Council Association Honor Council of Excellence award, joining 27 other Texas schools. 
The board also recognized several teachers on their retirement. Rebel Brown is retiring after 14 years of service with CCISD. Lucy Hernandez is retiring after 21 years of service, four of which were at CCISD. Donna Parker and her husband Wesley Parker are both retiring after 17 years of service each, all with CCISD. Not present was Suzette Tullius who is retiring after 26 years of service, 11 of which are with CCISD.