PITTSBURGH (May 30, 2019) -- The North Hills School District has named Kevin McKiernan principal of North Hills High School.
Mr. McKiernan joins North Hills from the West Allegheny School District where he served as principal of West Allegheny High School for the last two years. Prior to, he was the high school’s academic principal from 2015 to 2017 and the assistant principal from 2009 to 2015.
"I'm extremely excited to join the team at North Hills where it is evident that the school community is first and foremost dedicated to providing opportunities for its students to excel in academics, arts and athletics,” he said. “The opportunity to lead the high school team, one already established as a leader in education and committed to kids first, while personalizing academic and career pathways for each student, drew me to pursue this position.”
During his time at West Allegheny, McKiernan was instrumental in leading significant academic reform to ensure every graduate is prepared for a career and/or college, and has a viable post-secondary plan.
He also increased student access to and success in Advanced Placement courses and expanded academic opportunities through dual college enrollment and assess to Parkway West Career and Technology.
Before West Allegheny, McKiernan worked as a social studies teacher at Northgate Middle/Senior High School from 2003 to 2009. During his time at Northgate, he was the head varsity boys’ basketball coach and twice named WPIAL AA Section 4 Coach of the Year.
McKiernan received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington and Jefferson College and Master of Education in School Administration and K-12 Principal Certification from California University of Pennsylvania.
He lives in Ross Township with his wife, Lauren, and their three children, 11-year-old twins Keelin and Finnegan, and 9-year-old Brigid. All three currently attend McIntyre Elementary.
“We are very excited to welcome Kevin to our leadership team,” said Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino, superintendent for the North Hills School District. “His experience and dedication to preparing graduates for post-secondary success will only benefit our students. It’s an added bonus he not only lives in our community but his children attend our schools.”
McKiernan added, “Our family is already #NHProud and I am thankful for the chance to continue to build upon this pride as an active member of a staff dedicated to excellence for every child.”
McKiernan’s hobbies include playing and coaching basketball, and partaking in outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking and camping.
He replaces Dr. Beth Williams who was named North Hills’ new assistant superintendent earlier this year. His position takes effect July 1, 2019.