The Reading School District has invested over $110 million in facility improvements since the 2020-21 school year, focusing on essential upgrades to enhance the learning environment for its more than 18,100 students.
Recent upgrades, largely funded by federal COVID relief funds, have prioritized critical improvements to HVAC systems, security, and overall facility modernization. A district-wide facilities study will guide future capital planning to ensure infrastructure needs continue to be addressed.
“These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing safe and high-quality learning environments for our students and staff,” said Dr. Jennifer Murray, Reading School District Superintendent. “We are grateful for the federal funds that helped make this possible, and we look forward to continuing this work in the years ahead.”
The district’s 23 buildings—including 13 elementary schools, five middle schools, one high school, additional satellite high schools, and a virtual academy—range in age and condition. The oldest school, Central Middle School, was built in 1873, while the newest, Millmont Elementary School, was completed in 2007. Many of the district’s older buildings have required significant updates in recent years.
At Reading High School, built in 1925, more than $33.2 million has been invested in renovations, including improvements to the Geigle gymnasium, Castle Café, and senior café. Other updates include a new turf field, softball dugouts, renovated bathrooms, and ongoing improvements to the HVAC systems and controls throughout the building. Planned projects include renovations to the auditorium, locker rooms, and the addition of a secure entryway.
Updates at the middle schools include more than $12.6 million at Northwest Middle School, where a new HVAC system, roof replacement, and renovated auditorium were completed. Many of the middle schools have received HVAC upgrades, weapon scanners, additional classrooms, and water bottle filling stations. Planned improvements include a new flexible space at Central Middle School that can convert from a gymnasium to an auditorium, elevator and boiler replacements and auditorium renovations at Northeast Middle School, replacing the cafeteria floor and improving stairwell handrails at Southern Middle School, and roof and PA system upgrades at Southwest Middle School.
At the elementary level, Glenside Elementary School has seen nearly $8.1 million in improvements, including a new high-efficiency boiler, ADA-compliant elevator, renovated gymnasium, secure entryway, and updated bathrooms. Other elementary schools have received similar upgrades, such as repaving playgrounds, replacing outdated HVAC systems, new water bottle filling stations, and enhanced security with updated entryways and lighting.
Future projects at elementary schools include expanding classroom and cafeteria spaces, improving HVAC systems, adding more ADA features, and modernizing lighting, flooring, and playgrounds.
“Renovating and upgrading facilities in a large district like ours is an ongoing effort,” said Wayne Gehris, Chief Financial Officer of the Reading School District. “We’re committed to preserving the history of our buildings while making the necessary improvements to provide safe, modern learning environments for our students and staff, both now and in the future.”
With COVID relief funds expiring, the district will prioritize essential facility upgrades moving forward.
To learn more about completed and upcoming improvements, view the district’s facility fact sheets at readingsdpa.sites.thrillshare.com/o/rsd/page/construction.