COPPERAS COVE – The 2024 TASBO purchasing Award of Merit is headed to Copperas Cove for the first time.
The Texas Association of School Business Officials included Copperas Cove ISD in the 2024 recipients of its Award of Merit. It’s the first time since the award was established in 2009 that CCISD has earned the recognition.
The TASBO Award of Merit recognizes Texas school districts, open-enrollment charter schools and regional educational service center which show commitment to following professional standards in purchasing needed goods and services in the education of students. This year, only 77 districts across the state met the strict criteria to qualify for the award.
“We are grateful to TASBO for recognizing the great work our business department has put in to ensure we operate with integrity in our finances,” CCISD Chief Financial Officer Cliff Heath said. This award is a testament to the work of not only our business department, but the campuses and everybody who has worked to improve our practices and follow procedures. As I take on this new role, I look forward to continuing this work and making CCISD a statewide leader in school finance.”
The criteria for the award are constantly updated by volunteers with TASBO’s Purchasing & Supply Management Research Committee.
This is the second recognition for the CCISD business office this year, with the district continuing its streak of “Superior” ratings on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas to 19 years. CCISD has never scored below “Superior,” which is the highest rating on FIRST.
“We work hard to follow the guidelines and procedures the State sets in purchasing everything we need to ensure a great education for the students of Copperas Cove ISD,” said Sharon Carter, CCISD’s Director of Finance. “This award is a sign of the steps we’ve taken in recent years to improve our processes. I am excited to continue that work and positively shape each CCISD student’s experience with the right tools to help them succeed.”
Heath and Carter will accept the award on CCISD’s behalf at the annual TASBO conference in Houston in February.
“We’re proud of the work our honorees do to streamline school purchasing operations, comply with regulations, and set the standard for how to utilize taxpayer dollars,” said Tracy Ginsburg, TASBO Executive Director. “These organizations have not only demonstrated their professional acumen by documenting their districts’ policies and procedures, but have also shared these best practices with colleagues throughout Texas.”