Kassandra Fried

About Kassandra Fried

A dedicated educational leader and lifelong learner, I bring over a decade of experience transforming school communities through visionary leadership, inclusive culture-building, and data-informed innovation. My work centers on expanding future-ready programming and innovations that elevate student voice, advance equity, and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence.I have led one of the largest and highest-performing high schools in the nation, guiding 4,500 students and 325 staff to national distinction. Under my leadership, graduation rates rose to 98%, the school was recognized in the top 3% of U.S. high schools by U.S. News & World Report, and earned international honors in Cambridge and AP programs, as well as pioneering initiatives in Cyber-STEM in partnership with the FBI.My leadership is defined by designing and scaling innovative academic frameworks, aligning teams and systems to a unified vision, and ensuring students have access to rigorous and relevant opportunities. I have also shared these strategies at national conferences—including the Cambridge Schools Conference and the National School Leadership Conference—to support broader conversations on educational innovation, equity, and systems-level transformation.Fluent in four languages, I bring a global perspective and a steadfast commitment to shaping educational pathways that prepare students to thrive in college, career, and life.Honors & Recognition: 2024 Broward County Principal of the Year2025 Florida DOE Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership for Broward CountyKey Accomplishments:Led one of the largest high schools in the U.S. to national and international distinctionElevated graduation rates to 98% while expanding access to advanced academic programsStrengthened student success through innovation, equity-driven systems, and collaborative leadership Presented nationally on educational innovation, equity, and organizational transformation

Experience

1. Director of Magnet & Innovative Programs

   Broward County Public Schools

   Aug 2025 — Present

   Provide districtwide leadership for Magnet, Innovative, and Choice programs serving students, schools, and communities across Broward County. Oversee strategic program design, implementation, and continuous improvement to expand access, equity, and high-quality educational pathways aligned to workforce, college, and global readiness.Key Responsibilities & Accomplishments: • Lead and support the development, implementation, and monitoring of district Magnet and Innovative Programs, ensuring fidelity to magnet pillars, instructional rigor, and student engagement. • Oversee and administer the Achieving Career Equity for Students (ACES) grant, ensuring strategic alignment, compliance, and effective use of funds to expand equitable access to innovative academic and career pathways. • Provide district leadership and support for the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) grant, strengthening program quality, sustainability, and national recognition across eligible schools. • Collaborate cross-functionally with district departments, school leaders, and external partners to enhance magnet programming, expand access to specialized pathways, and elevate student opportunities. • Support School Choice initiatives and processes to ensure transparency, equity, and meaningful family engagement in program access and enrollment. • Guide program evaluation, data analysis, and continuous improvement efforts to drive student achievement, program effectiveness, and districtwide impact. • Serve as a strategic thought partner and coach to principals and magnet leaders, strengthening leadership capacity and ensuring high-quality implementation at the school level.

Education

• Nova Southeastern University

  Master of Education - MEd, Educational Leadership and Administration, General

  2006 — 2008

• Florida Atlantic University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Communication and Media Studies

  1995 — 1998

• Liberty University

  Doctor of Education - EdD, Educational Leadership and Administration, General