COPPERAS COVE, Texas — Copperas Cove ISD superintendent Dr. Joe Burns has announced his retirement at the end of the year, Copperas Cove ISD has announced.
Burns reportedly made the announcement at a Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
According to the district, Burns has served more than three decades in Texas Public Education, first arriving in Copperas Cove in June 2012 after beginning his career as a science teacher before moving to administration, serving in Jasper, Lufkin and Zavalla ISD.
Burns first served as superintendent in Hubbard ISD before moving to Kirbyville ISD, where he was named 2007 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards. He later served as Vidor ISD's superintendent for three years before moving to Copperas Cove.
Copperas Cove ISD said Burns has "overseen the vast improvement of the district in every facet of education" during his time as superintendent, including overseeing improvements to district facilities, reorganizing the district's Instructional Services department, adding a literacy program in younger grades and more.
“The last 12 years have been the absolute highlight of my personal and professional life,” Burns said. “The community of Copperas Cove has loved and supported my family and me more than I could have ever imagined. The school community has taken up the charge to make sure every child succeeds.”
Under Burns’ leadership, the district’s business office received the Texas Association of School Business Officials’ Award of Merit for the first time, said the district.
“Dr. Burns has proven to be an unparalleled leader for Copperas Cove schools in so many ways,” said Joan Manning, President of the CCISD Board of Trustees. “First and foremost, he loves and focuses on students, and it is evident. He has also been unwavering in his commitment to our staff, our school board and our community. Dr. Burns has been a beacon of excellence in Texas education during his decades of service and, in retirement, will continue to dedicate himself to an equally important role with his family.”
“Our district has thrived, achieving milestones in student and staff success and well-being, while depending on Dr. Burns’ thoughtful, prayerful, endearing personality and superlative guidance,” Manning continued. “We will miss Dr. Burns with an unending respect, gratitude and love for all he has meant to our Copperas Cove school district and community.”
Burns will reportedly remain as superintendent through Dec. 31. The Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees will immediately begin searching for a new superintendent, according to the district.
“I am convinced that I have had the opportunity to serve the best school board in all of Texas,” Burns said. “A part of me will always be with the good people of Copperas Cove and the Copperas Cove ISD. Thank you for allowing me to serve in such a wonderful place.”
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