New Kenwood Principal Wants to Connect with Community

Lloyd Lewis has an unyielding passion for education. He has worked in the field for about 40 years and even after retiring in 2006, he has still found his way back into the schools.

When he heard of an opening for interim principal at  in Clawson, he knew it would be a good fit.

"I still have the energy," said Lewis, who lives in Waterford. "I still have the desire to support families and kids."

Lewis, 66, will serve as principal of Kenwood for one year as the district continues the search for a permanent head.

Lewis has a background in school leadership — he was a teacher and elementary principal in the Berkley School District and an elementary principal in the Farmington Schools before retiring. He returned to Farmington in 2009 to serve as a building administrator for a year and has been substitute teaching since then.

Lewis said his main goal is to learn the Clawson community and work with Kenwood parents, staff and students to build on the strengths the school already has. "It’s a school community that is clearly dedicated to kids and to providing the best possible opportunities and my goal is simply to support that mission," Lewis said.

Lewis is no stranger to the Clawson School District because it is part of CASA, the Center for Advanced Studies and the Arts. He was the first director of the program, which allows students from multiple districts to attend a magnet high school in Oak Park (it's part of the Ferndale School District) to give them access to higher learning opportunities that may not be available otherwise.

Superintendent Cheryl Rogers said Lewis came recommended after she sought suggestions from county superintendents.

"Many applicants for the interim position offered strengths in such areas as curriculum or special education," Rogers said. "Mr. Lewis’ references, however, indicated that he had a strong background in building relationships, bringing people together toward and around the common purpose of helping students learn."

Lewis has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and a master's from Wayne State University. He was named Michigan Principal of the Year in 2000 and National Principal of the Year in 2001.

Rogers said the interim principal selection committee included herself, a school board member, a parent, a teacher, a principal and a special education director.

The long-awaited appointment at Kenwood comes at the tail of some controversy among parents in the district. Rogers had initially appointed Principal Patti Pell to lead Kenwood. But after , the district decided to to the public in June. The previous Kenwood principal, Virginia Mantela, retired this year.

After interviewing candidates over the summer, Rogers said the district felt the need to continue searching for someone best fit for the job. They opted for an interim principal appointment this school year. The Kenwood principal job opening will be posted again in the spring, Rogers said.

"Staff and parents will be asked to offer thoughts on the attributes of the new Kenwood principal," Rogers said in an email to Clawson Patch. "A posting will go out throughout the county and state."

A Meet & Greet Session with Lewis is scheduled for Aug. 25.