Carol Richert appointed Highcliff interim assistant principal following Dr. Colleen Frankel's resignation
![Colleen Frankel and Carol Richert]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764873926/nhsdnet/ibqlltjshaqwndkror96/CarolColleen.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764873926/nhsdnet/ibqlltjshaqwndkror96/CarolColleen.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764873926/nhsdnet/ibqlltjshaqwndkror96/CarolColleen.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764873926/nhsdnet/ibqlltjshaqwndkror96/CarolColleen.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1764873926/nhsdnet/ibqlltjshaqwndkror96/CarolColleen.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1764873926/nhsdnet/ibqlltjshaqwndkror96/CarolColleen.jpg","width":2200}])
Heather Pelat
Highcliff Elementary School Assistant Principal Dr. Colleen Frankel has resigned to become the next principal of Aiken Elementary School in the Keystone Oaks School District. With her departure effective Friday, January 16, Carol Richert, currently serving as interim assistant principal at North Hills Middle School, will assume the role of interim assistant principal at Highcliff Elementary.
“Dr. Frankel started at Highcliff in August of 2024 and has been a tremendous asset to our team ever since,” said Highcliff Elementary School Principal Kristy Bilderback. “Experienced as a teacher and administrator, she brought her wealth of knowledge to support our students, families, and staff. She will be greatly missed, but we know she will be an excellent building leader at Aiken Elementary.”
Mrs. Richert has been serving as interim assistant principal at the middle school since August 2025 while Associate Principal Katie Hartman has been on maternity leave. A member of the North Hills School District since 2003, she has taught both first and third grades, most recently at McIntyre Elementary School. Over her 23 years with the district, she has also served as Math K-6 Curriculum Leader, English Language Arts K-6 Curriculum Leader, and head teacher.
“We know that Mrs. Richert will bring her passion for students and learning to this position and we look forward to welcoming her at Highcliff,” Bilderback added.
The district welcomes Mrs. Richert to Highcliff and extends its best wishes to Dr. Frankel as she begins her new role at Keystone Oaks. We also welcome back to the middle school Mrs. Hartman who will return in the new year.