North Allegheny School District Appoints New Administrators at CMS, MMS, and NAI 
Dear CMS, MMS, and NAI Parents/Guardians,
 
On Wednesday, February 21, the North Allegheny Board of School Directors voted to approve new administrators at the secondary level. Appointments included Melanie Manes, Assistant Principal of North Allegheny Intermediate High School, and R.J. Long, Assistant Principal of Carson Middle School. Dr. Jenna Fraser, currently serving as the Assistant Principal of North Allegheny Intermediate High School, will begin a new role as the Assistant Principal of Marshall Middle School.  

“Assistant principals play a vital role in shaping our schools and supporting our staff and students. We are very pleased to welcome Ms. Manes and Mr. Long to the District and for Dr. Fraser to share her experience at Marshall Middle. All three individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to their roles in shaping our students at the secondary level,” said Dr. Brendan Hyland, Superintendent of Schools. 

About Ms. Melanie Manes, Assistant Principal of North Allegheny Intermediate High School 
  • Ms. Melanie Manes is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience both as a classroom teacher and administrator. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Wheeling Jesuit University in 2002. She later earned a Master of Science Degree in Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University in 2008. In May 2019, she earned her K-12 Principal Certification from Point Park University. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in education (Ed.D) with a concentration in Educational Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2024.
  • Ms. Manes was an Honors Chemistry teacher for nineteen years in the Trinity Area School District, where she worked predominantly with 10th-grade students in the classroom setting. During her time at Trinity, she was the Chief Faculty Advisor of the National Honor Society, served as the Science Department Chair, and National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) Designated Administrator and Site Coordinator. 
  • Currently, she serves as a High School Assistant Principal at Plum Senior High School. Her current role allows her to support students through the MTSS framework. Ms. Manes was instrumental in the implementation of PBIS at the high school as well as the integration of the SAP program at the tiered level of support. Moreover, she supports the staff as an instructional leader as well as her administrative team as a trusted and reliable team member. She prides herself in her diligence, determination, and unparalleled work ethic, which always puts students at the center of decision-making. 
  • She anxiously looks forward to joining the North Allegheny community and meeting the students, parents, and staff. She is excited to collaborate with Dr. Hibner and Dr. Morey to serve the students and families of North Allegheny Intermediate High School, where they will work daily as a team to prepare students for success in an environment that is student-centered. 

About R.J. Long, Assistant Principal of Carson Middle School
  • Mr. Long joins North Allegheny from the Northgate School District, where he has served as Middle School Principal and Director of Federal Programs since October 2021. During his tenure, Mr. Long focused on transforming the culture of the middle school through updating the master schedule to better meet the needs of students and teachers, working to improve the transition from elementary to middle school, and establishing high expectations for student achievement and behavior.
  • Before serving as principal at Northgate, Mr. Long taught eighth grade U.S. History at Quaker Valley Middle School in Sewickley from 2005-2014 and seventh grade World Geography at Emory H. Markle Middle School in the South Western School District in Hanover, PA, from 2014-2016. Mr. Long served as an assistant principal at Emory Markle Middle School from 2016-2020 before returning to the Pittsburgh area to serve as the assistant principal at Riverview Junior/Senior High School in Oakmont from 2020-2021.
  • Mr. Long received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Social Studies Certification from Dickinson College in 2005 and his Master of Education and PK-12 Principal Certification from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2015. Mr. Long is currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership through Point Park University, with an anticipated completion date in May 2025.
  • Mr. Long said, “I am humbled to have been selected for this role to serve in a leadership capacity at North Allegheny. Middle school is such a critical time in the development of our students, and I am tremendously excited to work with Dr. Ewing as a member of the leadership team at Carson Middle School to engage in that meaningful work. I look forward to developing trusting relationships with students, staff, and parents to support our middle school students in their educational journey.”

About Dr. Jenna Fraser, Assistant Principal of Marshall Middle School
  • For the last six years, Dr. Jenna Fraser has served as an Assistant Principal at North Allegheny Intermediate High School. With more than 13 years of experience in education, Dr. Fraser has held positions as a special education teacher at North Allegheny and Gateway School Districts, a Lead Teacher at Marshall Middle School, Assistant Principal at Carson Middle School, and Associate High School Principal at Bethel Park High School. 
  • Dr. Fraser has participated on several educational committees at North Allegheny, including the Health and Physical Education and Library curriculum reviews, NA Empower, and Safety, PBIS, ALICE, and CPI committees. 
  • Dr. Fraser is a graduate of Seton Hill University, where she earned her elementary, special education, and sociology certifications, and competed on the Women's Basketball and Golf teams. With a Master’s Degree in Education, Dr. Fraser is certified in reading instruction through Edinboro University's Reading Specialist Program. She also has earned her Principal K-12 certification, educational doctorate, and superintendent eligibility at Point Park University.
  • "After spending six years with our 9-10 grade students, I’m excited to return back to the middle school level and to Marshall Middle School. I am committed to championing a well-rounded education that transcends academic excellence to nurture the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of our future leaders."

As all staff start dates are finalized, the District will share updates with parents/guardians in weekly newsletters. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Manes, Mr. Long, and Dr. Fraser into their new roles! 

Sincerely, 
Dr. Brendan Hyland 
Superintendent of Schools