A Conversation with Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Superintendent of Reading School District & former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education

Podcast Summary

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, superintendent of the Reading School District and former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education. Dr. Mumin reflects on his leadership journey, the challenges of leading an urban district, and his philosophy of empowering educators to believe in their influence on student success.

Dr. Mumin begins by describing the Reading School District, the fourth largest in Pennsylvania, serving nearly 18,000 students, with 88 percent Latino enrollment and 100 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced meals. Despite limited resources, the district demonstrates strong community pride and a deep commitment to providing opportunity and equity.

He recalls his first tenure as superintendent from 2014 to 2021, when he focused on understanding changing demographics, shifting from test-driven instruction to more authentic learning, improving communication and engagement, ensuring financial effectiveness, and strengthening partnerships. He stresses that meaningful community visibility and accessibility were essential to rebuilding trust and advancing the system.

Drawing on his experience as the Secretary of Education, Dr. Mumin highlights the importance of advocacy for fair funding, equitable resources, and efficient leadership. Using the metaphor of “stop pump faking and shoot the ball,” he encourages leaders to act decisively when initiatives benefit students and communities, rather than hesitating amid bureaucratic delays.

He describes his leadership style as highly collaborative. He believes successful leadership requires hiring capable, diverse thinkers, empowering them to lead, and maintaining a clear, visionary focus. He also explores the idea that leadership and teaching are forms of artistry. Education requires adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to guide schools through challenge and change.

Dr. Mumin concludes with a message about belief and purpose. He reminds educators to recognize the value of their role and their power to shape the future. He encourages leaders to understand that resilience is built through adversity, and that every educator has the capacity to influence student lives and community outcomes.

Main Topics Covered

Reading School District Overview: Mumin outlines the district’s demographics, socioeconomic context, and strong community pride, which drive its mission to expand opportunity despite limited resources.

Leadership Challenges and Priorities from 2014 to 2021: He describes five significant areas of focus, including student safety, academic achievement, communication, financial effectiveness, and partnerships, all supported by authentic community engagement.

Advocacy and Fair Funding: He discusses efforts to promote equitable school funding at the state level and the importance of resource allocation that reflects student needs in both urban and rural districts.

Collaborative Leadership and Empowerment: Mumin explains the value of shared leadership and the importance of empowering staff, encouraging feedback, and fostering collective responsibility.