New Bloomfield Hills High School principal hired
By Lisa Brody
Bloomfield Hills Schools Superintendent Pat Watson announced on Thursday evening, January 27, that following rounds of interviews, Lawrence Stroughter Jr. has been hired as the new principal of Bloomfield Hills High School, to begin Monday, February 7.
Stroughter was presented to the district's board of education on Thursday evening. He previously was principal of Farmington Hills Harrison High School.
Charlie Hollerith, who is in his eighth year as principal of Bloomfield Hills High School, had previously announced his retirement for the end of 2021.
Watson said the district partnered with an external search organization to assist them in the hiring of the next Bloomfield Hills High School principal, and the first round of interviews consisted of candidates participating in four interviews with four key stakeholder groups: students, staff members, administrators, and community members, including members of the board of education.
The second round of interviews consisted of candidates participating in one interview with a combined group of community members, students and staff stakeholders, and another interview with an administrator group.
“After each round of interviews, the stakeholder groups debriefed and provided direct feedback on the candidates. A final interview took place between candidates and myself, and a small group. In addition to interviews, a thorough vetting process took place,” Watson said. “Throughout this process, I was particularly impressed with Mr. Stroughter’s commitment to building strong relationships with his teams and students, focusing on social-emotional learning, and leading instruction.”
Stroughter comes to Bloomfield Hills Schools from Farmington Public School where he served as assistant principal of Farmington High School and principal of Harrison High School, where he participated in a number of leadership roles outside of his primary job description including membership in Farmington Public Schools’ Positive Culture Development Team, Wellness Team, and Equity-Oriented Strategic Planning Team. He also had leadership roles at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and Detroit Public Schools. Stroughter has a master’s degree of education from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree of science - mathematics education from Alabama State University. He continues his education as he pursues a doctorate of educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
“The hiring of a principal is one of great responsibility. As you know, the principal is the leader of the school, curator of the culture, and the guide to student achievement,” Watson said of choosing the next head of the high school.
