Grants Pass School District 7 announces next Grants Pass High School Principal

Grants Pass School District 7 has hired longtime Grants Pass educator Jason Garcia as the next principal of Grants Pass High School.

Garcia has served students and families in Grants Pass School District 7 since 2000. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Oregon and began his career teaching music throughout our district. During his teaching career, Garcia worked at Lincoln Elementary School, Highland Elementary School, North Middle School, and Grants Pass High School.

While leading the high school band program, Garcia and his students won multiple championships and appeared twice in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Garcia earned his master’s degree in 2011 and later completed his administrative licensure program at Southern Oregon University. He has since served in several leadership roles within the district, including Dean of Students at Grants Pass High School and Assistant Principal at both South Middle School and Grants Pass High School. Garcia currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Grants Pass High School, where he oversees Counseling and Student Services.

Having spent more than two decades serving the Grants Pass community, Garcia said he is honored to continue supporting students, staff, and families in his new role.

“My philosophy is rooted in the belief that we must love first and teach second,” Garcia said. “I believe deeply in the value of education and look forward to working with our dedicated staff to help every student find their path.”

Superintendent Tim Sweeney said Garcia has been an integral part of the work happening at Grants Pass High School, including efforts to support students and improve graduation outcomes.

“Jason is approachable and deeply committed to our students,” Sweeney said. “He has a clear vision for the future of GPHS, and we’re excited for the leadership and energy he will bring to the school.”

Garcia will begin his new role on July 1, 2026. He succeeds current Principal Michele Napier, who has served as principal of Grants Pass High School since 2023. Napier has been selected as the district’s next Director of Secondary Education and will also begin her new role on July 1, 2026.

The nationwide search for the next principal included input from staff, students, families, and community members who participated in the interview process.