In his three years as superintendent of the North Allegheny School District, Brendan Hyland implemented the 2024-29 data-driven strategic and comprehensive plan, spearheaded the creation of the North Allegheny Police Department and helped kick off a major renovation of five schools.
As the newly retired Hyland sat for his last school board meeting June 3, the words of appreciation and gratitude flowed.
“You brought together nine board members of different views and priorities along with administration. And we worked as a team to create a plan that will allow the district to greater levels of success,” said board President Elizabeth Warner, who also noted his impacts on students, labor relations, district policies and school safety.
School board director Michael Weniger was part of the superintendent hiring process in 2023, calling it “by far the best decision we made as a district in quite some time.”
“I’m very proud of the work that you have done. You’ve given the district a trajectory, a direction,” Weniger said.
One of the major initiatives provided by Hyland was the implementation of the balanced scorecard, a key component of the 2024-29 Strategic and Comprehensive Plan.
The balanced scorecard is a progress report that uses data to measure whether the district is hitting or missing target goals. There are key performance indicators within each of the five goals: Academic Excellence, Continuous Learning, Empowering Students, Facilities for the Future, and Safety and Wellness.
The district-level and school-level results are presented to the public on an annual basis and serve as the district’s report card to the community.
No stranger to North Allegheny, Hyland served as principal of the intermediate high school from 2007 to 2018, before being hired as superintendent in the Plum School District, where he stayed until his move to North Allegheny in 2023.
School board director Libby Blackburn agreed that the search to replace former Superintendent Melissa Freiz, who left to become superintendent of Mt. Lebanon School District, was not a decision the board took lightly.
Hyland was approved 6-3.
Of all the interview candidates, it was apparent to Blackburn that Hyland was the best choice.
“I will so appreciate what he did for this school district. He gave us a strategic plan that we should not deviate from. He gave us benchmarks,” she said. “The work you did cannot be matched by anyone.”
With his wife and three children in attendance, Hyland said it was an honor to serve the school district and, most notably, the students.
“You are the reason we do this work. Watching your growth and success has been one of the greatest rewards that an individual can have,” he said. “Our students continue to remind me why public education matters.”
He thanked faculty and staff, district administration and his executive team, and the support of the board of directors.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside you in service to this community,” he said.
Sincere words of gratitude were given to Ahlam Weidman, his executive assistant and the school board secretary.
“My success was largely due to her ability to let me focus on the work that needed my attention, while she expertly managed the countless details behind the scenes. She is far more than an executive assistant; she has become a part of the Hyland family,” Hyland said.
After serving in the public education system for 35 years, Hyland is excited to spend more time with each of his children. He called his wife, Tricia, his “greatest supporter and source of strength in every challenge and every success.”
School board director Paige Hardy called the superintendent’s time at North Allegheny “three transformative years,” leaving the district in a “much better state than when you found us.”
Her colleague, Dr. Anisha Shah, agreed.
“You led with vision, integrity and genuine commitment to helping others around you succeed,” Shah said.
Fellow directors Emily Theys, Jackie Leicht and Jesse Adams, who all joined the board this past fall, expressed appreciation for the welcoming experience. Board director Dr. Robert Gibbs also expressed similar sentiments.
During the public comment period, several people offered their appreciation: Marcie Crow, a former school board director and board president; North Allegheny Intermediate High School Principal Heather Hibner; and McCandless resident John Harrison.
With confidence in newly appointed Superintendent David Deramo, who was the assistant superintendent of secondary education in the district, Hyland is certain the district is in good hands.
“Thank you for your trust, your partnership. Serving as superintendent of this district has been the honor of my life,” Hyland said.