Redmond School District names Elton Gregory Middle School principal, Vern Patrick Elementary interim principal
Barney Lerten
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond School District announced Wednesday that Doug Taylor has been selected as the next principal of Elton Gregory Middle School, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. Taylor is currently the principal at Vern Patrick Elementary.
Taylor, who grew up in Redmond, brings 16 years of experience in education to his new role. He began his career as a middle school language arts and social studies teacher and spent three years teaching at Elton Gregory before stepping into the Dean of Students role at the same school. He later served as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Redmond High School before transitioning to Vern Patrick Elementary as principal.
Throughout his career, Taylor has developed a wide-ranging skill set that includes teacher evaluation, curriculum oversight, RTI (Response to Intervention), student management systems, and support for extracurricular programs.
“Doug brings a rare combination of experience across grade levels, a strong background in instruction and leadership, and a deep commitment to the Redmond community,” said Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline. “His deep commitment to athletics and activities will help create opportunities for all students. He’s a great fit for Elton Gregory, and I’m confident he will help lead the school with purpose and care.”
“I am honored to be selected to serve as Elton Gregory’s next principal. I am deeply committed to the Redmond community and continuing to serve its students and families. Elton Gregory has an incredible team that I am looking forward to working with in order to provide a top-notch and well-rounded education for its students.”
The Redmond School District greatly appreciates the leadership and commitment Taylor has brought to Vern Patrick Elementary and wishes him continued success in this next chapter.
Meanwhile, the district also announced that Corrie Hopper has been appointed as the interim principal at Vern Patrick Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year. Hopper currently serves as the assistant principal at Obsidian Middle School.
Hopper is no stranger to the Redmond School District, having first joined the district in 2006 as a long-term kindergarten substitute teacher at Vern Patrick Elementary. She went on to serve as a physical education teacher at John Tuck Elementary before spending 11 years at Tumalo Community School, where she taught PE and Health/Outdoor Education.
Since 2020, Hopper has served as assistant principal at Obsidian Middle School, where she has overseen student behavior interventions, designed academic support systems, and provided counseling services and family referrals.
“Corrie brings a strong instructional background and deep community roots to Vern Patrick,” said Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline. “Her experience supporting students, collaborating with staff, and building positive relationships with families makes her an excellent fit to lead Vern Patrick.”
In addition to her professional experience, Hopper is also a Redmond parent with three children who currently attend or have attended schools in the district.
“Education is truly a part of who I am, it runs in my family, and I feel as though I grew up in classrooms. I have a heart for service and a genuine love for working with children and their families. I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve had over the 18 years I have worked in the Redmond School District and am eager to begin this new role, working together to create a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for every student,” Hopper said.
The Redmond School District welcomes Corrie Hopper into her new leadership role at Vern Patrick Elementary and looks forward to a successful school year ahead.
Corrie Hopper is replacing former principal of Vern Patrick, Doug Taylor, who has accepted the position of principal at Elton Gregory Middle School starting in the 2025-26 school year.