Principal

The Pine-Richland School Board approved Dr. Frank A. Hernandez as principal of Pine-Richland High School at the board planning meeting on June 6, 2022.  Over the last three years, Dr. Hernandez has focused his leadership and the high school team on continuous improvement in the areas of school culture and safety, instructional planning and lesson implementation, data analysis, community connections and student services.  

Dr. Hernandez firmly believes that “when schools are operating at their highest level, they are the center of a community and a source of pride and connection for students and families. Our high school seeks to meet the Pine-Richland mission by ensuring that every graduating student is college, career, and community ready when they leave PR.”  

Since becoming principal, Dr. Hernandez has helped lead Pine-Richland High School as one of only three western Pennsylvania schools that earned an AP School Honor Roll Gold Award in 2023 and a US News & World Report top three best public high schools ranking.  He has also led initiatives that have re-connected graduates and Pine-Richland through Past Graduates Day, while community service and involvement have also increased through annual blood drives, Veterans Day recognition, and student leadership development that annually raises thousands of dollars to support pediatric cancer awareness and research.  World Kindness Day is also now celebrated with weeklong activities aimed at promoting togetherness and opportunities for all of Pine-Richland High School’s students to connect with each other and build mutual respect.  The Pine-Richland High School Lip Dub 2023 is one example of PRHS celebrating and connecting all students.  

Dr. Hernandez earned a doctorate in educational administration with a superintendent’s letter of eligibility, as well as a master of education in school leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.  He was named a Distinguished Principal’s Award recipient while participating in the Principal’s Academy of Western Pennsylvania.  Prior to coming to Pine-Richland, Dr. Hernandez served in administrative roles within the West Allegheny and Freedom Area school districts and at Baden Academy Charter School.  While serving as the middle school principal at West Allegheny, his school earned the prestigious Don Eichhorn National Schools to Watch designation in 2018.   

Dr. Hernandez would like all students and parents to know that “at PRHS, we believe it is cool to be kind!”  

For more information about Dr. Hernandez, please see PRHS's Dr. Hernandez.