Reading School District invests $110 million in facility upgrades
The Reading School District is continuing a long-term project to enhance the learning environments of its 18,100 students, the district has announced.
Since the start of the 2020-21 school year, the district has invested more than $110 million in facility upgrades.
The recent upgrades, largely funded by federal COVID-19 relief funds, have prioritized critical improvements to HVAC systems, security and overall facility modernization, the district said in a release.
'These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing safe and high-quality learning environments for our students and staff,' Dr. Jennifer Murray, superintendent, said in a statement. 'We are grateful for the federal funds that helped make this possible, and we look forward to continuing this work in the years ahead.'
A districtwide facilities study will guide future capital planning to ensure infrastructure needs continue to be addressed, the district said.
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, a former hospital building, 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, the district said.
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 mechanical systems throughout the building.
Planned projects at the high school 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 elevator and boiler replacements, and a new flexible space at Central Middle School that can convert from a gymnasium to an auditorium; auditorium renovations at Northeast Middle School; replacing the cafeteria floor and improving stairwell handrails at Southern Middle School; and roof and public-address 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, district chief financial officer. '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 said it will prioritize essential facility upgrades moving forward.
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