A Marvel-ous Legacy: WHS principal closes remarkable chapter of academic growth

As the final bell rings for the school year at Wasilla High School, and the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, another significant transition for the school community will be taking place.

While students turn their tassels, beloved Principal Jason Marvel is closing a distinguished 28-year career in public education, creating a bittersweet moment of reflection on the school's growth and the future that lies ahead for both the departing senior class and the institution.

“It’s time for me to pass the reins,” Marvel said during a recent interview. “I think 28 years is plenty of time in public education.”

Marvel took the helm as principal of Wasilla High School in 2019, returning to a building where he had previously spent years as a teacher and coach. Prior to this role, he served as the leader of Burchell High School starting in 2015.

Throughout his final tenure at Wasilla High, Marvel was widely recognized for shifting the school’s core identity from an institution primarily known for athletics to one celebrated for high-level academic achievement. “That was one thing that I wanted to change. I want us to be known for academics, and we have raised the bar. We’ve got great teachers, we’ve got great academics, and I feel really good about that.”

Reflecting on the changes in the culture and climate at the prominent high school, Marvel is proud that WHS has raised Career and Technical Education certifications, Advanced Placement, which grew by a factor of ten, pass rates, and graduation rates. “I’m really proud of the students and the success we’ve had here.”

As a coach, he led the WHS Warriors to a 4A Alaska State Boys Basketball Championship in 2007 and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors. His transition to administration brought statewide acclaim. The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals repeatedly honored his work, naming him the AASSP Region 8 Principal of the Year in 2019, 2020, and 2024.

He credits the success to his staff. “We have done a lot of good work, and that’s not just because of me. That’s because we have an awesome staff.” And that pride is reflected back as colleagues and teachers routinely praise his professional, attentive approach and his emphasis on school culture—including his signature policy of having staff personally greet students in the hallways throughout the day.

“No one person is greater than the school. Things move on; people move on; people forget. And that’s okay. I had my time and I’ve appreciated it. I always wanted to end my public education career as the principal of Wasilla High School, and I’ve done that.

Marvel’s tenure was also marked by navigating complex community issues, including leading collaborative efforts with the local Knik Tribe to re-evaluate and re-work the school’s traditional "Warrior" logo to foster a more respectful, inclusive environment.

When asked what’s next, Marvel says he and his family intend to remain in the area as he shifts his focus to the Wasilla Workforce Development Initiative that he and Laura Anderson and others have spearheaded. It offers free evening technical classes, including construction, electrical, and small engine repair, while providing dinner and child care, serving adults across the Mat-Su.

Regarding his legacy at Wasilla High School, he views it through the lens of a simple, foundational lesson: to lead is to improve.

“That’s what I want to do, and I feel like I’ve done that.”