Alice Cox, Special Education Director for Brownwood ISD recently announced her retirement. Friends and family joined BISD staff on Tuesday, May 28th, for a retirement reception congratulating Cox.
Cox has been with Brownwood ISD since 2004, and has 20 years of experience in Special Education. While at Brownwood ISD, Cox was awarded 2011 Special Education Director of the Year for the state of Texas by TCASE (Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education), and has an impressive list of accomplishments that include the organization of special needs programs (Bowling for Life Skills Students, summer camp for students with auditory impairments, and Summer Reading and Math Rodeo), participation in TCASE and CESD (Council for Educators for Students with Disabilities), and service as Chairperson for the Brown County Consortium, a group composed of school district members, child placing agencies, and the Department of Family Protective Services.
“Alice is the best Special Education Director that I’ve ever worked with,” said Dr. Reece Blincoe, Brownwood ISD Superintendent. “She is very steady in what she does and she never gets rattled. She is patient, works well with parents, and really cares for each of her students.”Cox has been an integral part of the success of Brownwood ISD’s special education program, and has worked on everything from the implementation of iPads to the hiring of additional counselors. “Brownwood has always had a good school system,” said Cox. “It’s been fun to watch the school district grow over the years, and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of that growth.”
Having spent 9 years at Brownwood ISD, Cox indicated that one of the biggest challenges she’s faced is to adapt to the rapid changes and advancements in her field. “I appreciate the staff, teachers, principals, and administrators that have worked to support and embrace change to better meet the needs of students,” said Cox. “I will miss the students, staff and the dedicated people who work with the kids. I want to tell everybody how much I have enjoyed and appreciated being a part of Brownwood ISD.”
Cox, joined by her husband, Ronald, mingled with a full conference room of co-workers, family, and friends before Blincoe, joined by Brownwood ISD Deputy Superintendent, Kevin Gabaree, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Leisa Land, presented her a certificate of retirement. “In the 5 years that I’ve been in Brownwood we’ve never had a serious problem and that speaks volumes about how Alice runs her department,” said Blincoe. “We will miss her and wish her the best in her retirement.”
Cox’s contract ends in June, as Brownwood ISD welcomes Michele Cruse as the new Special Education Director.
Pictured top left: Alice Cox stands with husband, Ronald, during her retirement party, Tuesday, May 28th, in the Brownwood ISD Administration building. Photo contributed.
