New South Principal, North Athletic Director to Start Aug. 1

Two men unanimously approved by the Board will start in their new leadership positions Monday at both of Grosse Pointes high schools. 

Matt Outlaw will make the leap from to , where he will be the principal. Ben Bandfield will serve as an assistant principal and athletic director at North High School. He is leaving his position in Lawton Community Schools where he served as athletic director and a teacher. 

Both men were welcomed by school board members, who expressed appreciation for their level of experience and wished them well in their new positions. 

Here is more information about both from their respective resumes submitted during the application process for their respective jobs.

Outlaw, who began his Grosse Pointe career at South as athletic director, holds several degrees including:

• Doctorate of Education from Wayne State University
• Education Specialist from Wayne State University
• Master's in Educational Administration and Policy from University of Michigan
• Bachelor's of Education from University of Michigan
• He also completed a summer term with the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in Spain.

He began his teaching career in Novi, where he taught U.S. History, civics, Spanish and AP U.S. History at Novi High School. He then worked as the Dean of Students there from 2001 to 2003 before beginning at Grosse Pointe South. 

Bandfield is currently holds two degrees and is pursuing a third at Grand Valley State University for a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. 

• Master of Arts in Education from Western Michigan Univeristy
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education from Western Michigan University

Bandfield, who attended the school board meeting with his wife, began teaching in Portland Public Schools in 2006. He taught health and physical education for K-9. He was also the assistant coach for junior varsity baseball.

Since 2007, he's served as the athletic director for Lawton Community Schools. He was also a teacher and served as acting principal when necessary.  

Both men officially begin in their new positions Monday.  

Outlaw replaces in May. Bandfield replaces to a principal position in St. Clair Shores. 

The including now Outlaw's current position as an assistant principal at North. Other positions needed include: 

• principal
• Grosse Pointe South High School assistant principal
• Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

The district already replaced the Principal position with Sonja Franchett following the retirement of Kathleen Satut.