Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education

Melissa Friez

Biography

For the past five years, Dr. Friez has served as an Assistant Superintendent in the Pittsburgh Public School District. In her current role as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, she oversees counselors, social workers, athletics, code of conduct, positive behavior intervention and support services, Early College in High School, Title IX, the District’s crisis response team, and a variety of other services that support student academic, social and emotional needs.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Friez served as the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Leadership for Pittsburgh Public. In this role, she oversaw four high schools, five 6-12 schools, and three specialty schools. Her responsibilities involved working with building level administrators on the successful implementation of building-level goals and creating and providing professional development on instruction and leadership. She also worked with the Chief Information Officer in the successful roll out of technology, data systems and technical support for schools.

Prior to her role as an Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Friez served nine years as a high school principal, with eight of those years leading Allderdice High School. During her time at Allderdice, Dr. Friez managed a $13-million-dollar site-based budget for 1,600 students, and over 130 staff members. During her tenure, her school received a Title I Distinguished School award, and was named Pennsylvania High School Student Assistance Program of the Year. She also served as a District Lead Principal and mentor Principal in the Pittsburgh Emerging Leaders Academy.

Dr. Friez received her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree in Secondary English Education from Duquesne University, and her K-12 Principal Certification from Carlow University.  She earned her Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility and Doctorate of Education in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.