Raul Olivares Jr.- Principal

Hello John Cotten Tayloe Elementary School Families,

I would like to welcome you to the Tiger Family. I am so excited for the 2025-2026 school year and being able to meet all of our scholars and their families and serve you as Principal.  My name is Mr. Olivares (Mr. O).  I was born and raised in California, where I attended the University of California, Riverside.  Seventeen years ago, I moved to Washington, NC and transferred to East Carolina University.  I graduated in May of 2011 and received my B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Social Studies.  I graduated in May of 2024 with my Masters in School Administration and Curriculum & Instruction Specialist.

I am entering my fifteenth year in education.  I have taught 4th and 5th grade at John Small School and kindergarten at Eastern Elementary School along with serving as assistant principal.  I love working with students because I am able to watch them learn and grow.