Allentown School District Selects New Principal for Louis E. Dieruff High School

Allentown School District Selects New Principal for Louis E. Dieruff High School
Posted on 06/27/2019
The Allentown School District is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Michael G. Makhoul as the new principal for Louis E. Dieruff High School. The appointment was approved at the June 27 regular board meeting. 

“Mr. Makhoul has dedicated a significant amount of his professional career to the students of Allentown and we are excited to have him transition into the role of principal at Dieruff High School,” said Superintendent Thomas Parker. “Makhoul is a passionate leader who is committed to growing relationships with the school community and advocating for equitable educational opportunities for our students.” continued Parker.

Born and raised in Allentown, Makhoul began his career as an emotional support teacher at William Allen High School. From there he spent several years as a teacher, department chair and high school program coordinator for the Centennial School of Lehigh University, a day school providing educational services to special education students. He also served as an assistant principal at Palisades Middle School before returning home to Allentown.  Makhoul has held the assistant principal role at Dieruff High School since 2011 and served as president of the Allentown Administrators Association for the last three years.

During his time as an administrator at Dieruff, he oversaw everything from athletics and student activities to academic programs. Makhoul played an integral part in the creation of the “Husky to Husky” pipeline between Dieruff and Bloomsburg University. The program introduces Dieruff students, many of whom are the first in their family to apply for college, to Bloomsburg, its academic programs and the student support services offered. To help students who were struggling academically, Makhoul was part of the team that created a daily, after school credit recovery program.  With roots in special education, he is a firm believer in advocating for under-served populations and allocating resources to best meet the needs of all students.  

Committed to lifelong learning and mentoring, Makhoul has presented at numerous professional development and training workshops focused on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), promoting safe and positive school culture through relationships and other topics crucial to success in urban education. Earlier this year, Makhoul was selected as the keynote speaker for the SkillsUSA regional conference, where he had the chance to address career and technical students from the greater Lehigh Valley. 

A son of Syrian immigrants, his parents believed education was the key that could open any door. Returning to Allentown had a profound impact on Makhoul’s career path. He credits his success as an educational professional to not only his family, but the entire community that raised him.  Through active and engaged community support systems, Makhoul hopes to share that same value of education. 


Makhoul’ s selection follows the retirement of long time ASD employee Susan Bocian. Bocian served as the principal of Dieruff for the last nine years and was a shining example of Husky Pride. 

 “It is an honor to take the reins from a colleague and mentor who made such a positive impact at Dieruff High School,” said Makhoul. “I look forward to continuing with the proud Husky traditions that started under her leadership, but also bringing innovative educational practices to Dieruff.” 

Makhoul holds a Bachelor’s of Science from the Pennsylvania State University and his Masters’ in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University. His Principal Certificate and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility also come from Lehigh. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education from Immaculata University. When not in school, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing. He is also an active member of the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Allentown and proud father of his three year old daughter, Lillian. 

Photo credit, Charles Stonewall