Dr. Robert Frioni and Nathan Berkowitz are taking over new educational leadership roles this year.

By Ashlee Green

Pittsburgh Public Schools’ (PPS) Board of Directors approved the appointments of two new principals, effective July 16, 2020, for schools in Pittsburgh’s Northside. Dr. Robert Frioni will take over as principal of Pittsburgh Perry Traditional Academy, and Nathan Berkowitz at Pittsburgh King PreK-8. 

Dr. Frioni spent time as the assistant director and principal at Jefferson Hills’ Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School. He also taught English Language Arts (ELA) and was an ELA curriculum coach at various schools as well as the vice principal of Pittsburgh’s Brashear High School. He earned both his doctorate in education and his master of arts in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh and his bachelor of arts from Washington & Jefferson College.

Berkowitz, who previously served as the assistant principal at King, has also been the chair of a professional learning community. The community prioritized the creation of a “social-emotional learning initiative” to meet students’ diverse needs.

Dr. Anthony Hamlet, superintendent of PPS, stated in a press release: “With this global pandemic, it is imperative that we have dedicated professionals, such as… Dr. Frioni and Mr. Berkowitz, heading schools in the wake of online learning.”

Related posts:

August 2020 newsletter from Northside Councilman Bobby Wilson