Two important roles within the district have been filled . In late November , it was announced that Dr . Natasha K . Dirda would be the new principal of the high school beginning December 21 , 2023 . Dr . Dirda is a South Fayette resident and brings a wealth of educational leadership experience to the position .

“ Dr . Dirda is familiar with our region and not only knows the history of South Fayette , but has wholeheartedly pledged herself to our vision and culture and embraced our student-centered focus ,” said Dr . Michelle Miller , Superintendent of Schools .

Working in education for nearly 20 years , Dr . Dirda spent the past eight years as principal in Mt . Lebanon schools and most recently at North Allegheny Senior High School . Prior to assuming responsibilities as principal , she taught mathematics and coached girls soccer and basketball . She holds a bachelor ’ s in economics from Virginia Tech University where she was Rookie of the Year for the women ’ s soccer program . She has a master ’ s in instructional leadership from Robert Morris University , earned her K-12 principal certification from California University of Pennsylvania and

a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Pittsburgh .

Upon her hiring , she noted , “ Futurefocused , student-centered , and innovation-driven speak to my core values as an educator and as a person . I align myself directly with those tenets .”

Dr . Dirda filled the position that had been held on an interim-basis by Dr . Patricia Smith since August 2 , 2023 . In her short time on campus , Dr . Smith was very well-liked by students , faculty , and staff , and made a lasting impression in the high school . She came out of retirement to assist our district , and she will forever be considered a Lion .

At their meeting on Tuesday , January 23 , the School Board approved the hiring of Marty Spieler as the new head coach of the high school ’ s football program . Coach Spieler has been an assistant coach for the Lions under Joe Rossi who stepped down after the 2023 season . In his student days , Spieler played for Woodland

Hills High School and Allegheny College . He has been an assistant coach for several college and university teams and for Mt . Lebanon High School when they won the state championship in 2021 . Speaking to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , Coach Spieler said , “ I feel it ’ s the right fit at South Fayette . I pride myself on academics and academics are important at South Fayette …. There ’ s a lot to live up to , but the South Fayette kids , regardless of athletic ability , are high-effort kids .”

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