That big, adorable smile says it all! Red Knights are "our why," and we are dedicated to helping all Reading School District students dream, believe and achieve. We hope you will join our #RSDproud efforts and support Reading Education Foundation as we work to establish a $10 million endowment that will create a lasting impact here.

Thank you for proudly supporting our Red Knights!

Gordon G. Hoodak is the Executive Director of the Reading Education Foundation. Gordon spent his entire 47-year professional career in the Reading School District, including serving at prinicpal of Lauer’s Park Elementary School for 37 years. Gordon received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University, his Master’s degree from West Chester University and his principal certification from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Gordon was tasked with the leadership role of the Reading Education Foundation in October 2020 and has steadily worked with the Reading School District Administration and newly elected Reading Education Foundation Board Members in developing a strategic plan that addresses fund raising, marketing, event planning and management of grants.

Gordon is excited and honored by the opportunity to lead the Reading Education Foundation in its vision of helping Reading School District students "Dream, Believe and Achieve!"

Reading Education Board Officers
*Denotes the board member or liaison is also a Reading High School graduate.

Board President
*Dr. Melissa Jamula
Retired RSD Superintendent

Board Vice President
*Mr. Chris Kraras
CEO, White Star Tours

Board Secretary
*Dr. Elliott Leisawitz
Retired Physician 

Board Treasurer
*Mr. Roberto Sanchez
Branch Manager, BB&T Bank

Reading Education Foundation Board Members

*Mr. Joseph Bialek                                                            
Reading Fightin Phils      

*Bishop Robert Brookins, Sr.
Holy Trinity Church of God, CARE, INC.     

Mrs. Tonya Butler
Magisterial District Justice-County of Berks, Commonwealth of Pa.                                                                                                                 

*Mr. Jeffrey Darlington
The Rigg Darlington Group/AcrisureLLC  

*Dr. John Dethoff                                                              
Retired Orthopedic Surgeon                      

*Mrs. Angel Helm                                                            
Business Consultant

*Mrs. Adriane Hoke       
Business Professional   

*Mr. Stu Jackson
Executive Associate Commissioner, Men’s Basketball, Big East Conference

*Mr. Tim Profit 
Savage Auto Group                                                         

*Mr. Michael Robinson
Reading Fightin Phils

*Ms. Nicole Tavares
Giorgio Foods   

*Mr. Michael Toledo     
CEO, Centro Hispano  

Board Members (Ex-Officio)

Mr. Julio Martinez                                                                                                                                        
Reading School District Board Member   

Dr. Noahleen Betts
Reading School District Board Member  

Mr. Joel Brigel
Reading School District Administrators’ Association
Principal, Northwest Middle School  

Reading School District Liaisons

Dr. Jennifer Murray                                                      
Superintendent         

*Attorney Jesse Leisawitz     
Chief Legal Officer

*Mr. Wayne Gehris
Chief Financial Officer                                                                                                 

Attorney John Miravich
RSD Solicitor

Dream. Believe. Achieve.
The Reading Education Foundation is proud to partner with Reading School District to increase and support educational excellence. We are an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the educational experience of all Reading School District students.

Established in spring 2021, our purpose is to support innovative opportunities that encourage our students in Pre-K through Grade 12 to DREAM, BELIEVE and ACHIEVE. Our commitment is to keep a razor-sharp focus on ways to raise funds that are critical to enhancing academic excellence and keeping our schools at the leading edge of public education. We work diligently to carefully target our funds where they will make the greatest impact.

The Reading Education Foundation considers districtwide, school-based, and individual teacher grant requests. As we continue to fund grant requests annually, we also are committed to building an endowment that will support Reading School District students for years to come. With your support, we can make a significant difference. Unencumbered by competing needs, the Foundation’s sole focus will always remain on ways in which to enhance academic innovation and excellence for the students in the Reading School District. 

Please join us in supporting the children in the Reading School District. Grant a wish and donate TODAY!

Thank you in advance for your donation to the Reading Education Foundation. Your investment in our students, staff and classrooms will impact generations of Red Knights.

To stay in the loop with the Reading Eduction Foundation, please sign up for our mailing list to receive updates.

• Carolyn & Kurt Bamberger
• Tonya & Wynton Butler
• Susan Denaro, Esq. of Georgeadis || Setley Attorneys and Advisors
• Val & Chris Dikos
• Donna & John Kramer
• The Leisawitz & Persky Families
• Cynthia & Frank Petrakis
• Zelda & Mark Yoder
• Classic Harley-Davidson