Ms. Kyle E. Kopke

The Georgia-Alabama Community Superintendent, Dr. Tonya Laliberte, is pleased to announce Ms. Kyle E. Kopke as the new Principal for Maxwell Elementary Middle School in the Southeast District at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Ms. Kopke will assume her duties on January 12, 2026.

Kyle E. Kopke is an accomplished educational leader with over two decades of experience supporting student success and well-being. Ms. Kopke is a native Hoosier and a proud graduate of Indiana University. Previously serving as School Counselor at River Birch Elementary in Avon Community Schools, where she directed a comprehensive developmental guidance program for more than 650 students in grades K–5.

Ms. Kopke’s career spans roles as a therapist, assistant principal, high school counselor, and dean of students, where she has championed resilience-building, equity initiatives, and positive behavior interventions. She is a certified Advanced School Safety Specialist, an active leader in multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and crisis response efforts. She has extensive training in Trauma-Informed Care and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). She is committed to fostering collaboration among families and staff while championing a safe, supportive environment for military-connected students and inspiring curious learners to thrive.

Recognized for excellence in school counseling, Ms. Kopke earned the American School Counselor Association’s Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) award in 2025 and the Indiana Gold Star Counseling Program award in 2024, affirming her commitment to data-driven, comprehensive counseling programs. Ms. Kopke has an Applied Educational Neuroscience Certification from Butler University, Administrative Licensure from Indiana University Purdue University, and advanced degrees in Counseling and Human Services and Health Education from Indiana University.

Ms. Kopke is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Nationally Certified Health Educator (CHES), and a former Hoosier Health Care Hero for Children honoree. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to empowering students, collaborating with families, and advancing educational practices that nurture resilience and lifelong success.
Ms. Kopke looks forward to relocating to Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Jay—a retired Army helicopter pilot—their three dogs and cat. Ms. Kopke’s daughter Madyson will remain in Indianapolis where she is the Alternative Forms Digital Content Producer for the Indianapolis Star-a member of the USA Today Co. Family.

Ms. Kopke is excited to embark on the next chapter of her journey as the principal of Maxwell Elementary/Middle school.