Administration

Mr. Pace was hired into the West Bloomfield School District in August 2006 as a science teacher at Abbott Middle School. He then assumed the role of assistant principal at Abbott Middle School in July 2011 before his most recent position as assistant principal of West Bloomfield High School in August 2014.

In the spring of 2019, Mr. Pace was appointed to the position at WBHS of assistant principal of innovative learning design. In this position, Mr. Pace worked to advance teaching and learning at WBHS by coaching staff in their instructional practice, worked to develop and retain newer staff members, and led the efforts to develop 9th-grade instructional models to best support students in the early stages of their high school careers. He also worked closely with the teaching and learning team and the department leaders to advance professional learning and utilization of student data to inform instructional practices.

During his time as assistant principal, Mr. Pace was also critical in the district’s development and rollout of the Portrait of a Graduate and the 4Cs (Collaboration, Contribution, Communication, and Critical Thinking) including creating rubrics and instructional strategies. He also has been instrumental in the development of the student ambassador program and direction of the school improvement team at West Bloomfield High School.

Mr. Pace graduated with his Bachelor of Sciences degree in education with an emphasis on the secondary level in 2006 from Central Michigan University. He then earned his Master of Arts in educational leadership in 2012 from the University of Michigan Dearborn. Most recently, Mr. Pace earned his Education Specialist certification in educational leadership in 2015 from Oakland University.

Dr. Stephanie L. Clark is an Assistant Principal at WBHS, bringing over 21 years of experience in education, including seven years in administration. She oversees Section 504 compliance, Students who receive Support Services at WBHS, Standardized Testing, and Graduation at WBHS. Her leadership is centered on ensuring academic success, equity, and operational excellence for all students. Dr. Clark holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts from Eastern Michigan University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University, along with a Central Office Endorsement. Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Clark enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Brandon, and children, William and Maya, often vacationing together to recharge and connect.

Mrs. Hrycaj (Mrs. H) joined the West Bloomfield School District in 2016 as an English and physics teacher at West Bloomfield High School, where she taught American Literature and Physics. She has also taught Honors Physics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C, and co-taught American Dream. Throughout her teaching career, she served as the school's Testing Coordinator, High School Lead Mentor, and Co-Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator. She also played a key role in the development and implementation of the school's Advisory program while mentoring new teachers and supporting initiatives focused on student well-being and school culture.

In 2026, Mrs. Hrycaj was appointed Assistant Principal at West Bloomfield High School. In her role, she supports student success through scheduling, MTSS, counseling collaboration, and schoolwide systems that promote both academic achievement and student well-being. Having spent a decade building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families at WBHS, she is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every student feels connected, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

Mrs. Hrycaj earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Grand Valley State University, specializing in English and physics, and later earned her masters degree in educational leadership from Oakland University. She was named West Bloomfield School District Teacher of the Year for the 2024–2025 school year in recognition of her commitment to students, instructional excellence, and leadership. Outside of school, Mrs. Hrycaj is an avid reader, and she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young sons and finding opportunities to travel and create lasting memories with them.

Throughout more than two decades with the district, DeGrand has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to student growth, leadership development, and program excellence. He has served in numerous teacher leadership roles, participated on district and building improvement teams, contributed to school improvement initiatives, and supported a wide range of district programs. His leadership experience also includes directing community education programs, supervising summer camp operations, mentoring colleagues, and serving on multiple interview and district leadership teams.

As head wrestling coach, DeGrand has built one of the district's most successful middle school athletic programs by increasing student participation, fostering a positive team culture, and leading the Lakers to county championship success. He also founded and continues to lead the West Bloomfield Wrestling Club, creating a strong developmental pathway for student-athletes while expanding athletic opportunities for youth throughout the community. His coaching experience also includes youth baseball and flag football, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on athletic program development and student engagement.

DeGrand holds an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Oakland University, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Michigan State University. He was also a member of the MSU wrestling team from 1998-2000.

As Athletic Director, DeGrand will oversee the district's athletic programs, working closely with coaches, students, families, and the community to continue building a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and opportunity for all student-athletes.