Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education

Melissa Friez

Biography

Dr. Melissa Friez has worked for the North Allegheny School District since 2019, when she was appointed as assistant superintendent of secondary education. In October 2020, she was appointed to a five-year contract as Superintendent effective July 2021.

Dr. Friez’s career in education began in 2002 as a teacher at Pine-Richland High School. Starting in 2008, Dr. Friez served nine years as a high school principal, with eight of those years leading her alma mater 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.

From 2014 - 2018, Dr. Friez served as the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Leadership for Pittsburgh Public Schools. For the first three years, she continued in her role as principal of Allderdice.  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.

From 2018 - 2019 she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, she oversaw counselors, social workers, health services, 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.

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, K-12 Principal Certification from Carlow University and obtained her Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from the University of Pittsburgh where she earned her Doctoral Degree in Administrative and Policy Studies.

Dr. Friez has lived in the Pittsburgh region her entire life, and currently resides in Squirrel Hill with her husband, Brandon, their two sons, Brandon and Alexander and dog Hamilton.