CRANBERRY TWP — Former Seneca Valley teacher Kellie Abbott is the principal of the new Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School.

The announcement of her being named principal and chief executive officer for the new school was made this morning by Robert Paserba, secretary for Catholic education and evangelization in the Pittsburgh diocese.

Abbott has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Notre Dame and master’s in education administration and policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She is working toward a doctorate in education at Pitt.

Most recently, she was a literacy coach along with working in curriculum, instruction and professional development in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Abbott was the lead principal for the school district’s principal development program.

Abbott has worked as a principal in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, a principal and an assistant principal in the New Kensington Arnold School District and a secondary English teacher in the Seneca Valley School District.

The new $71 million school is being built on 70 acres next to Route 228 and near the township’s border with Seven Fields. It is to open in August 2014.