Reading Nixes High School Volunteers Over Health Concerns

READING, MA — Reading has opted not to use volunteers to support implementing hybrid learning at the high school, Superintendent John Doherty said. The district, which has been short-staffed at the high school, felt that introducing more adults into the school cohort could impact community spread.

Coronavirus cases in Reading have been steadily increasing over the past few weeks, prompting the town to enact the "Mask Up Reading!" public awareness campaign. Reading Public Schools has reported a number of cases across multiple schools; however, many of those have been remote students.

"Part of our health plan since September has been to limit the number of visitors and additional adults in our schools and with the potential need of up to 20 volunteers per day or 300 volunteers over the one-month period, it could increase the chances of COVID cases in our schools," Doherty said.

The plan is still to transition to a full hybrid model at Reading Memorial High School. To that end, the district is looking to hire 10 para-educators and is willing to look at job-share positions as a possible solution as well.

Interested applicants should contact Superintendent of Schools John Doherty at john.doherty@reading.k12.ma.us.