Administration
Principal - Cori Gallegos
cgallegos@tvusd.us

I’m honored to be the Principal of Gardner Middle School. With 25 years of experience in education, including roles as a specialist, classroom teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, I am deeply committed to supporting students, families, and staff in creating a thriving school community.
As a resident of Temecula Valley, I am not only an educator but also a parent. My children attend Middle School and High School in our community, which gives me a personal and heartfelt investment in the experiences we create for our students. I am proud to live and serve in Temecula Valley, and I look forward to continuing its tradition of excellence here at Gardner.
Academic growth will always be a central focus at Gardner Middle School. We are committed to challenging students and helping each one reach their highest potential. At the same time, I believe that middle school is a formative time when young people are discovering who they are, who they want to become, and how they fit into the world around them. That is why I am equally committed to creating a school environment where every student feels a strong sense of belonging and has meaningful opportunities to lead, connect, and grow.
I can’t wait to get to know each of you and your students during their time at GMS. Please feel free to say hello and introduce yourself when we are on campus together. Gardner is a truly special place, and I’m excited for what we will accomplish together.
Assistant Principal - Chris Morel
cmorel@tvusd.us

It is with genuine excitement and gratitude that I serve as the Assistant Principal of Gardner Middle School. I’ve been fortunate to serve in the Temecula Valley Unified School District for nearly 20 years, with experience spanning elementary, district-level, and high school settings. My journey has included roles as a 5th grade teacher, district specialist, and high school History and AVID teacher. Most recently, I supported students and staff as both the PBIS TOSA and Assistant Principal at Chaparral High School.
Since 2003, my family and I have proudly made the Temecula Valley our home. This community—both in and out of the classroom—has played a pivotal role in raising our three children. My wife, an administrator in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, and I are parents to a college student, a high school senior, and a new middle schooler. As a parent first, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the strong connections and meaningful opportunities our local schools provide.
Relationships and community have always been at the core of my approach to education. We are a family rooted in service, and I bring that same value system to my role at Gardner. I look forward to becoming an active part of this school community and contributing to the continued success already underway.
Middle school is a time of remarkable growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe every student deserves to learn in a supportive environment where they feel seen, heard, and challenged. My passion lies in getting to know each student’s story so we can help them thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
I look forward to meeting you and partnering together during this exciting and transformative time in your child’s life.
