The Reading School District Board of School Directors has approved the appointment of Dr. April Halligan-Rostek as assistant superintendent of operations, promoting a longtime district administrator who has served in various educational and leadership roles since 2007.
Halligan-Rostek brings nearly two decades of experience within the district, beginning her career as an elementary teacher at Riverside Elementary School and 16th & Haak Elementary School. She later served as assistant principal and principal of Millmont Elementary School before becoming the district’s director of human resources in January 2024.
During her time overseeing human resources, Halligan-Rostek has focused on recruitment, employee retention, staffing and support services for district employees.
According to the district, the Human Resources Department hired 322 new employees during the summer of 2026, a 105% increase over the previous year. Those hires included more than 100 Reading Education Association members and approximately 200 paraprofessionals.
The district also reported classroom teacher staffing rates of 100% at the elementary level, 92% at the middle school level and 96% at the high school level. Additionally, the department achieved an 8% reduction in the paraprofessional contractor bill rate.
Reading School District Superintendent Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, who nominated Halligan-Rostek for the position, praised her leadership experience and familiarity with the district.
“Dr. Halligan-Rostek’s journey from the classroom to district leadership exemplifies the dedication, compassion, and commitment that make the Reading School District special,” Mumin said. “She understands our schools, knows our community, and has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to lead, inspire, and bring people together. Her appointment is incredibly well-deserved, and we are fortunate to have her continued leadership.”
Halligan-Rostek holds a doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership from Alvernia University, a Master of Education with Principal Certification from Cabrini College, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in dance from West Chester University.
She also holds a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility and certifications in K–12 school administration, middle school English and elementary education.
Her professional recognition includes Excellence in Education Communications awards from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association in 2025 and 2026, as well as the 2019 Legacy of Leadership Award from West Chester University.
Outside of her administrative responsibilities, Halligan-Rostek has been involved in mentorship and collegiate dance programs. She served as head coach of Alvernia University’s Spirit Dance Teams from 2013 to 2022 and previously worked as a dance team choreographer at Cabrini College and West Chester University.
District officials said her experience as a teacher, building administrator and district-level leader will provide valuable perspective as she assumes responsibility for district operations.
The district did not specify when Halligan-Rostek will officially begin her new position.