COPPERAS COVE – Copperas Cove ISD’s top-performing elementary campus has a new leader for the 2025-26 school year.
Kelly Thompson has been named the new principal at Martin Walker Elementary, serving students on Cove’s southwest side. She replaces Breanne Turner, who was recently promoted within the district.
“Since moving our family here in 2012, I’ve had the privilege of growing within this incredible district—from my early days as a substitute teacher to now having this amazing opportunity to serve as the principal of Martin Walker Elementary,” Thompson said. “It is an absolute honor to join the exceptional team at Martin Walker Elementary, and I’m excited to return to my elementary roots and serve our students, staff, and families with all my heart.”
Thompson has worked in the district since 2012, starting as a substitute teacher and instructional aide. She then spent almost nine years as a teacher at Clements/Parsons Elementary, teaching a variety of subjects, from Pre-K 3 to K-5 music, as well as math and science.
Since January 2022, Thompson has served as assistant principal at Copperas Cove Jr. High where she directed campus testing, oversaw campus safety and security and helped lead the campus to a National Showcase School award from Capturing Kids’ Hearts.
Thompson has served as a campus leader and administrator in blended learning efforts, as well, helping lead the combination of traditional and digital instructional approaches.
“Mrs. Thompson has proven herself to quickly be a quality educational leader,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “With her diverse background at the elementary level and her nature in working with other educators, Mrs. Thompson is poised to continue the incredible success Martin Walker Elementary has seen in recent years.”
Thompson has already started in her new role, to finish preparations for the 2025-26 school year. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a master’s degree from Lamar University.
She and her husband, Michael, live in Copperas Cove and have three children. Two have graduated from Copperas Cove High School and their youngest attends elementary school in Cove. She serves on the Board of Directors for Copperas Cove Crime Stoppers.
In 2023, the most recent year for which the TEA has released state accountability ratings, Martin Walker Elementary received an “A” rating for the third consecutive rating year.
The 2025-26 school year in Copperas Cove ISD is set to begin Aug. 14th.