Teachers in the Reading School District are facing challenges they cannot overcome alone.

It's going to take a little bit of work by everyone.

That was the distinct message during a community committee meeting Thursday, July 21, in the office of the Reading Education Association, the teachers union.

During the meeting, Gladys Mendez, a parent-outreach coordinator at 13th & Green Elementary School and a parent herself, said that school administrators, teachers and staff can't tackle problems without support from every corner of the community.

"We are all part of Reading School District," Mendez said.

The committee discussed how to get businesses, government, and civic organizations engaged in Reading schools.

Bryan Sanguinito, REA president, said he believes the people of Reading are invested in education but don't know how to get involved.

He's confident that can change.

"I find that the community has a great respect for education and they want kids to have the life they want ... but it (the relationship) needs to go two ways," Sanguinito said.

Another tough problem the committee talked about is how to motivate parents to play a larger role in their children's education.

"Parents have the power to empower students," Mendez said. "But they can't do it alone. It is going to take a village."

Parent Miriam Feliciano, the PTO president at Thomas Ford Elementary School, knows parents are apprehensive.

"No one likes the responsibility," Feliciano said.

Stephanie Towles, a district librarian, said teachers also must have a more clear understanding of what role parents can play in the classroom.

"Teachers are sitting waiting for parents to take the lead," Towles said. "It shouldn't be that way. Teachers need to be educated too."

Other committee members include Lori Sherman, a kindergarten teacher at Riverside Elementary School and REA vice-president for elementary education; Edwina Colon-Vasquez, a teacher at the Gateway School for the Performing Arts and REA communication officer; Jane Palmer, a community organizer; and Lorenzo Canizares, an organizing specialist for the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Two men running for school board seats — Robert Heebner Jr., a retired district teacher, and Frank Denbowski, chief of staff for Mayor Thomas McMahon — also attended.

Palmer recently organized an education summit where major education stakeholders in Reading came together to share objectives and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

She said people in and out of the school district have to set their differences aside for any goals to be achieved.

"No one's talking .No one's communicating with each other," Palmer said. "It's time to stop fighting and just move on."