Community Education

New principal selected for Gig Harbor High School, current principal takes early leave

Posted on April 2nd, 2025 By: Christina T Henry

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected since it was first posted. Michele Suiter has not yet started her new job in Nebraska.

Bob Marshall, a Gig Harbor resident and current principal at North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, will be the new principal of Gig Harbor High School, Peninsula School District announced Monday.

His contract starts July 1, although current principal Michele Suiter has taken leave for the remainder of the year, according to Jake Voss, director of strategic communications. Suiter’s last day was Friday.

Lillian Hunter-Ebersole is the interim principal for the remainder of the school year, Voss said.

Bob Marshall

A ‘difficult decision’

Suiter has taken a principal job in Lincoln, Nebraska, to be closer to family, according to the district.

In a message March 21 to GHHS families, Suiter shared the following:

“I want to take a moment to share some important news with you. After deep reflection and much prayer, I have made the difficult decision that my last day as principal of Gig Harbor High School will be Friday, March 28.

“This year has brought many personal and professional challenges — navigating family health, launching our children into new chapters, cherishing time with our grandchildren in Lincoln, and leading our school community through the complexities of this school year and this building. Through it all, I have reflected on what it means to lead with integrity, balance life’s demands, and give my very best in every role I hold.”

Issues at GHHS

Suiter, in her note to families, didn’t elaborate on challenges at the school. However, in December, she and other district officials apologized in a letter to Lincoln High School, acknowledging a GHHS student in the stands made a “racially charged reference” during a varsity boys basketball game against Lincoln. The district’s letter acknowledged similar issues arose last year at another basketball game against Lincoln.

In February, the district placed all three girls’ basketball coaches on administrative leave after a parent reported that they drank alcohol during a team trip to a tournament in Florida.

‘An incredible honor’

“It has been an incredible honor to serve as principal of Gig Harbor High School,” Suiter continued. “I am deeply grateful for the students, families and staff who make this community so special. The relationships we have built, the memories we have shared, and the collective impact we have made for our students will stay with me always.

“While this decision was not an easy one, I have peace and confidence, knowing that my identity is not tied to a title or role, but to my faith in Christ alone. I trust in the path ahead and know that Gig Harbor High School will continue to thrive because of the dedication and heart of this community.”

She thanked families for their support and said it has been a privilege to be part of their students’ journeys.

Charting a ‘new course’

Chief of Schools Michael Farmer made no mention of Suiter’s early departure as he introduced Marshall at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

“We’re wishing her all the best and really want to thank her for her five years of service and dedication to our parents and the community and most of all, the students at Gig Harbor High School,” Farmer said. “But that also meant we get the opportunity to hire a new leader and chart a new course for Gig Harbor High School going forward, and that’s not a task we took lightly.”

Selection process outlined

The district selected Marshall on Friday from among finalist candidates, following an interview process that involved students, staff and parents from Gig Harbor High School, Farmer said.

“I’m very excited to be the next principal at Gig Harbor High School,” Marshall told the board and community members. “I just am so thrilled that I get to work in the community in which I live. That was so important to me. And so, when this opportunity became available, I jumped all over it, and I was so glad that I was chosen.”

Marshall described the interview with process as “grueling.”

“The kids were amazing, and the staff too, I just enjoyed every part of it,” he said.

“It was a great process,” said school board President Natalie Wimberley. “To all of our staff and students and families and community members who participated, I want to say thank you, because it really is a reflection of your voice and the vision that we have for this high school.”

Career background

Marshall was an assistant principal at North Kitsap High for five years before becoming that school’s principal. Previously, in Alaska, he held principal positions at Ketchikan High School, Ketchikan Charter School and at a school in the remote village of Emmonak. He began his teaching career as a high school social studies teacher and taught for one year at Peninsula High School before going into school administration.

Marshall holds a master’s degree in school administration from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor’s degree in education, with a focus on social studies, from Pacific Lutheran University.

“His educational philosophy emphasizes the ‘Three Rs: Rigor, Relevance and Relationships, with a strong commitment to creating a culture where all students feel they belong,” according to a news release from the district.

Marshall’s wife, Jodi Marshall, is a middle school teacher in South Kitsap. They have lived in Gig Harbor for six years and have three children who attend Peninsula schools.

‘We’re thrilled for change’

Superintendent Krestin Bahr, in the district’s news release, lauded Marshall.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Marshall back to the Peninsula School District family,” Bahr said. “Throughout the selection process, Bob demonstrated an exceptional commitment to student success, innovative educational approaches and collaborative leadership that aligns perfectly with our district’s mission and values.”

Neither Bahr nor any of the board members addressed Suiter’s taking leave for the remainder of the year. Wimberley expressed thanks to her on behalf of the board, as she welcomed Marshall.

“We’re certainly grateful to Ms. Suiter for the years that she gave and wish her the best as she moves on to her next adventure,” Wimberley said. “We’re thrilled for change and excitement that you (Marshall) bring, and it’s just been such a joy for me to hear the positive, already, since the news was released yesterday, just the excitement that comes with your hire. So welcome. Thank you. Roll, Tides!”