Hopkins is proud to announce that Dr. Emily Lilja Palmer has been selected as the next principal of Hopkins High School. Dr. Palmer brings more than 30 years of experience teaching and leading in middle and high schools, a deep commitment to equity-driven leadership, and a proven record of shaping destination schools where all students thrive.
Since 2018, Dr. Palmer has served as principal at Washburn High School in Minneapolis where she led through the pandemic while increasing the graduation rate, expanded course offerings, and navigated multiple years of decreasing budgets while maintaining stable enrollment and staffing.
Prior to Washburn, Dr. Palmer served for 5 years as principal of Sanford Middle School in Minneapolis. During her tenure, enrollment increased from 750 to 950 students, the school received International Baccalaureate MYP World School authorization, and she oversaw a $19 million capital expansion project.
"Dr. Emily Palmer brings a depth and quality of experience that truly stood out to us, especially her current leadership of a comprehensive high school that shares many similarities with Hopkins," said Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed.
“She has led through complexity while balancing strong academics, equity-focused work, and financial realities while strengthening school culture and expanding opportunities for students. We are excited to welcome a leader whose experience, values, and steady leadership align so closely with the needs of our high school community.”
Dr. Palmer began her career as a classroom teacher in Minneapolis, teaching English at the middle and high school levels for more than 10 years before moving into school leadership. Throughout her career, she has engaged in equity leadership work including training through the Courageous Conversations framework. Her doctoral research focused on leadership for racial equity in the context of change.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Hopkins community and look forward to being a part of the Hopkins High School team,” said Palmer. “As the mom of a HHS Class of 2021 graduate, I know I will be working with an excellent staff and a wonderful student community -- one that our family chose for our daughter."
Dr. Palmer holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Education in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Minnesota. She holds K-12 principal and English 7-12 licensure in the state of Minnesota.
Dr. Emily Palmer will begin her role as Principal of Hopkins High School on July 1, 2026. Students, families, staff and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to meet Dr. Palmer at school, district and community events during the summer months.