READING, Pa. – Reading High School is getting 10 new school safety positions, with the goal of preserving the school’s three-year decline in disciplinary incidents.<\/p>\n
The Reading School Board unanimously approved seven 10-month school security guards, one 12-month security guard and two 12-month lead safe school officers.<\/p>\n
Dr. Seleda Simmons of Berks Community Action Program says these new additions are a great way to keep students safe.<\/p>\n
“I’m really happy because at the end of the day, safety is the first measure,” said Simmons.<\/p>\n
But she says the school needs to make sure these new hires have the proper tools to deal not only with physical distress, but mental distress as well.<\/p>\n
“If we have a security guard that is equipped with all the necessary tools, not only would it be able to keep them safe, but they can also give them information, advice,” said Simmons.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Reading School District’s Superintendent Dr. Khalid Mumin says the new positions will increase supervision, strengthen communication with students, and maintain a visible, supportive presence during transitions and other unstructured times.<\/p>\n
The school also specified these new positions will not be members of the Reading Police Department.<\/p>\n
A distinction that Simmons says is important.<\/p>\n
“Most of the kids out here don’t respect police officers, sadly. But if you have a security guard, that’s an authority figure. They might be able to soften that. They might be able to give them a different vision of what it is to protect and serve,” said Simmons.<\/p>\n
Simmons says these new positions are a proactive way to help keep that decline in disciplinary incidents going.<\/p>\n
“Now while things are good, now, while we have a control and a handle on things to the best of our ability, why not bring in more?” said Simmons.<\/p>\n
The school district says school safety remains an ongoing priority.<\/p>\n
\nCopyright 2026 Maranatha Broadcasting Co., Inc.. All Rights Reserved.\n<\/p>\n
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