Mr. Waldo Alvarado, a longtime district employee, will be the recommended candidate for the position of Reading High School principal. The Reading School District Board of Directors is expected to make the appointment official at the regular board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022.
“Mr. Alvarado’s proven leadership and experience within the district will ensure a successful transition forward,” Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Murray said. “By working with students, staff and the community, he will help to cultivate a compassionate, supportive and positive school environment at Reading High.”
Mr. Alvarado has been serving as interim principal at the high school since November 2021. Mr. Alvardo has also served as the district’s Director of Equity and Inclusion from 2014 to present. His career at Reading School District began in 2001 as a School Counselor at Northwest Middle School. He has also served as an Assistant High School Principal at Reading High School. A Fulbright Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Alvardo holds advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, University of Central America (UCA), Alvernia University, and Kutztown University. He taught at the middle school, high school, and post-secondary levels, both in the United States and in El Salvador.
Student success, both inside and outside of the classroom, is at the heart of Mr. Alvarado’s vision for Reading High School. His guiding principles include strong academics, educational equity, cultural competence, trauma-sensitive practices, partnerships, advocacy, and systemic transformation.
“Positive student outcomes are possible when we create and sustain the conditions that allow our brilliant students to unlock their potential,” Mr. Alvarado said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us, including students, teachers and staff. Moving forward, we want to create a school community where staff and students learn to be aware of the challenges faced by others, and we respond with compassion to create a positive school environment. We want to offer support and guidance for the physical, social, academic, and emotional challenges faced by students and families during the high school years. A high school diploma is the key to a brighter future.”
Mr. Alvarado will initially focus on five areas:
- Access and inclusion
- Proactive and fair discipline practices
- Opportunities for effective teaching and deep learning
- Additional supports and resources
- Culturally relevant policies and practices that support shared accountability
Reading High School has more than 5,000 students and 400 staff members. The school includes the main “Castle on the Hill” building on North 13th Street, as well as three RKAA Campuses at City Line, Thomas Ford and Glenside (currently under construction). RHS students also have options to attend Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center and online learning with Reading Virtual Academy.
Mr. Alvarado replaced Mr. Eric Turman, who is now the superintendent of the Harrisburg School District.
