The Reading School Board has appointed longtime district employee Jessica Di Blasi as principal of Reading High School.
The action came Wednesday at the board’s regular voting meeting.
Di Blasi is the first woman to hold the high school’s top leadership position.
Dr. Jennifer Murray, district superintendent, said she is confident in Di Blasi’s abilities to lead the high school.
“Her years of experience, passion for our youth and proven leadership within the district make her well-suited for the position,” Murray said in a news release. “Mrs. Di Blasi will collaborate with students, staff and the community to create a supportive, empathetic and optimistic learning environment at Reading High School.”
Di Blasi has served as interim principal at the high school since June. She replaces Waldo Alvarado, who retired at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
She previously served six months under the title of high school principal on special assignment.
Di Blasi began her career as a teacher with the school district in 2007. She was named assistant principal of the high school in 2016 and served in that role until 2021, when she became principal of Amanda Stout Elementary School.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology from East Stroudsburg University, Di Blasi worked in behavioral health and juvenile probation. She later earned a master’s degree in urban education and principal’s certification from Alvernia University.
She also holds certifications in elementary education, special education and middle school mathematics.
Di Blasi said student success, both inside and outside of the classroom, is at the heart of her vision for Reading High. Her guiding principles include strong academics, educational equity, cultural competence, trauma-sensitive practices, partnerships, advocacy and systemic transformation.
Reading High is the educational home to more than 5,000 students and 400 staff members, according to the district.
In addition to the main campus at 801 N. 13th St., there are three Reading Knight Accelerated Academies: City Line, 1700 City Line Ave.; Thomas Ford, 901 Margaret St.; and Glenside, 500 Lackawanna St.
Reading High School students also attend the Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center and learn online through the Reading Virtual Academy.
Source: Berkshire mont