Kyle Heilbrun, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools (KPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kyle Heilbrun as the principal of the district’s new K-5 Alternative School, set to open for the 2026-2027 school year.
Mr. Heilbrun, currently serving as the school psychologist for the Hanny Arram Center for Success, has been with the district since 2013.
“Kyle Heilbrun is the perfect choice for this challenging and important role,” said Superintendent Jason Mundorf. “His extensive experience at our 6-12 alternative school and his demonstrated dedication to student success make him an ideal leader for this new and innovative school. Kyle is a credentialed and experienced school psychologist, he’s been our district CPI (restraint and verbal de-escalation training) trainer for many years, and he has a deep passion for helping students with behavioral and emotional support needs. Kyle will bring an expert perspective and leadership skills to this unique setting ensuring our K-5 alternative school is an effective environment for students to receive intensified therapeutic and behavioral coping skills development. We are excited to see his vision come to life as he works with his staff developing a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for our students.”
Heilbrun will officially begin his role on July 1, 2025. Over the next year, he will focus on developing the school’s practices and policies, assembling a talented and dedicated staff, and finalizing plans for the program’s implementation.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this new school and work with KPS to create an environment where every student can thrive,” said Mr. Heilbrun. “Our goal will be to provide individualized support and innovative strategies to help students achieve their fullest potential and return to their regular classroom environment with the skills they need to be successful.”
Mr. Heilbrun earned a PK-8 Principalship Endorsement (complete in fall 2025), a 7-12 Principalship Endorsement, and an Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Wyoming. His certifications include a Nebraska Standard Administrative Certificate, Nebraska School Psychologist PK-12 certification, National School Psychologist certification, and Certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor.
The K-5 Alternative School will be housed in the current Glenwood Elementary building, which will undergo renovations starting this summer. Students from Glenwood Elementary will transition to Buffalo Hills Elementary beginning in the fall of 2025.
