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Michael Griffith Named Principal of Shaker Heights High School
“Michael Griffith is an exceptionally talented individual with outstanding leadership skills,” Superintendent of Schools Mark Freeman said in announcing the appointment. “We had highly qualified candidates, both local and national, for the position, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have attracted Michael Griffith. His experience, values, abilities, and personal qualities make Mr. Griffith an ideal fit for Shaker Heights High School. In addition to having a thorough grasp of curriculum and instruction, he has a warm and engaging personality. I believe that he will quickly earn the confidence and respect of the faculty, students, and parents.” Currently assistant principal at Stow-Munroe Falls High School in Stow, Ohio, Griffith has extensive and diverse leadership experience in both public and private school settings. In his native Los Angeles area, he served as a high school principal, a middle school principal, an elementary school vice-principal, and an assistant professor of education at Loyola Marymount University, where he also served as coordinator of student teaching. “I have gained a lot of experience in the whole spectrum of education, from kindergarten through college,” Griffith said. “I have an understanding of where that adolescent, that high school student, is coming from, and what he or she is preparing for.” Griffith and his family relocated from the Los Angeles area to northeast Ohio last year to be closer to his wife’s family. Among his duties at Stow-Munroe Falls, Griffith has headed the internal assessment team for reaccreditation by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, a rigorous and comprehensive examination of curriculum, teaching, student achievement, and school climate. The experience, he said, will prepare him to sustain the tradition of academic excellence and work to improve student achievement at Shaker. Griffith holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola Marymount University and a master’s degree in administrative and policy studies in education from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he has also completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in learning and instruction. Asked what attracted him to the position at Shaker, Griffith said: “First and foremost, there was no doubt in my mind that the commitment to young people’s growth and development is central to the community’s values. I’m attracted to that because that’s such a part of who I am. These are people who are willing to struggle with difficult issues to do what’s right for young people. That’s the kind of community I want to be in. “I love being in a school building,” he added. “I love the energy and enthusiasm of the students, and I love being able to make a difference in the lives of young people. That’s where my heart is. I am absolutely excited to be coming to Shaker. I cannot wait to roll up my sleeves and become part of such a good team.” Griffith and his wife, Carol Ann, are the parents of three elementary-school children. They plan to make their home in Shaker Heights. Shaker Heights High is a comprehensive high school serving approximately 1,700 students of diverse backgrounds in grades 9-12. The faculty includes 157 teachers and tutors. Approximately 90 percent of Shaker graduates go directly to higher education, including some of the most selective colleges and universities in the nation. The High School offers a broad program of academics and co-curricular programs. With the addition of Advanced Placement (AP) statistics in Fall 2000, it will offer 20 AP courses.
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