Eugene 4J to merge Camas Ridge and Family School, replace principals

The co-location decision means both schools will have new leadership next year, raising concerns among parents.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Eugene School District 4J's decision to co-locate Camas Ridge Community School and Family School will result in the replacement of the principals at both schools. While some parents are concerned about the leadership transition, district officials say the move is intended to create a "fresh start" for the co-located campus.

Why it matters

The co-location of the two elementary schools is a response to budget cuts, but it has raised apprehension among parents who are worried about the impact on their children's education and community. The decision to replace the existing principals at both schools has further heightened concerns about the transition.

The details

Under the co-location plan approved by the school board, Camas Ridge and Family School will share a building starting in the 2026-27 school year. The district says this is intended to avoid cutting Family School entirely due to budget constraints. However, the move will result in the replacement of both Camas Ridge Principal Hobie Blackhorn and Family School Principal Teresa Martindale. Parents have expressed concerns about losing experienced leaders who have built strong relationships with students and families, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

  • On Feb. 4, the Eugene School District 4J school board voted to approve the co-location of Camas Ridge and Family School.
  • The co-located campus is scheduled to open in the 2026-27 school year.

The players

Hobie Blackhorn

The current principal of Camas Ridge Community School, who has led the school since 2022. Parents say Blackhorn, who is Northern Cheyenne, has created a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Teresa Martindale

The current principal of Family School, which is being co-located with Camas Ridge.

Camas Ridge Community School

An elementary school in Eugene, Oregon that will be co-located with Family School starting in the 2026-27 school year.

Family School

An alternative elementary school in Eugene, Oregon that was formerly housed at Crest Drive Elementary before it closed in 2012 due to budget cuts. Family School will move into the Camas Ridge building under the co-location plan.

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What they’re saying

“Hobie is a connector. He really takes the time to get to know our kids and be present with them. He's really willing to do the things that are invisible labor to make sure that our kids feel safe at school, and I think that's especially important for our BIPOC children. We're feeling really devastated by the idea that he might not be there next year.”

— Camille Cioffi, Camas Ridge parent (registerguard.com)

“Both programs losing their principals is a dire loss for both programs. There has been testimony from both schools about how well their school performs for their students, and everyone feels apprehensive about losing their administrator.”

— Joey Carlson, Former Family School parent and current enthusiast (registerguard.com)

“Most (parents) that I have talked with are not opposed to the idea of co-location, but do have real concerns, either with the logistics and equity of the two programs sharing one space, or the leadership transitions that would take place next year. They want to know what this will look like for their child. They want to make sure that their leadership is experienced, caring, fair and will center student experience in decision making.”

— Lindsay Selser, Camas Ridge parent (registerguard.com)

What’s next

District officials still need to work out the details of how the co-location will be implemented, including health and safety policies, staffing levels, class sizes, arrival and dismissal schedules, and lunch and recess logistics.

The takeaway

The co-location of Camas Ridge and Family School has raised concerns among parents about the impact on their children's education and community, particularly with the replacement of the experienced principals at both schools. The district says the leadership transition is intended to create a "fresh start" for the co-located campus, but parents want to ensure the new principal is committed to supporting all students and families.