Contract extension for the superintendent
by Paul Socolar on Feb 25 2011 Posted in Latest news
Shortly after crowds dispersed from what may have been the largest organized protest ever at the School District's current headquarters, a statement issued by the School Reform Commission Friday afternoon announced that Superintendent Arlene Ackerman's contract has been extended for a year - through June 2014.
The extension "permits her to continue to lead the District through the full implementation of Imagine 2014," the statement reads. "The SRC believes that stability in the leadership of the District during the full implementation of the Plan is highly desirable."
Ackerman took over leadership of the District in June 2008, and her original contract ran for five years, but with a provision for an additional year unless either the SRC or the superintendent objected to the extension prior to March 2011.
The statement notes that on the most recent state tests, for the first time ever, more than half of Philadelphia students scored proficient or above.
Ackerman's annual salary is $348,140, after receiving a contractually mandated raise of 3 percent - or $10,140 - last September 1. A move to limit superintendent salaries is afoot in Pennsylvania as well as other states.
Comments (51)
Submitted by Phantom Poster (not verified) on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 23:54.
Those "listening caps" must not have been turned on....
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 00:28.
Blahahahaha Ackerman we will be back. Ackerman was run out of San Fran. Next up PHILLY
Submitted by Concerned citizen (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 01:03.
Her insanity rolls on,...everyone else, Mayor included, takes a voluntary paycut; not our girl Ackerman. No, she snags her 6-figure BONUS. I know, Philadelphia,...let's keep electing the boneheads who hired this nightmare who was indeed ridden out on a rail from her last TWO jobs. Let's keep her, so she can put the good educators in Time Out for speaking their minds.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 01:26.
How does this happen without a public hearing? How does this happen on a day when more than 500 people protested the actions of the district?
The SRC has more to answer for than Dr. Ackerman - they have abdicated their role as a watchdog for the district.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 08:44.
We in this city should've been back to a locally ELECTED school board by now. IF you are going to take our taxes and use them for God knows what kinds of schools, we should be having input.
Submitted by Ms. Chips (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 12:29.
It happens when the public has no access to policy. Phila. is the largest district WITH NO PUBLIC INPUT WHATSOEVER. SRC was charged with monitoring SD finances. They are appointees with little background in public education, and many of them, like Mr. Archy, a bond lawyer involved in charter financing who was, & may still be, on Universal's board, would be considered functioning with severe conflicts of interest.
Submitted by Rakim (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 15:13.
Seriously, she had to be hysterically laughing when she decided this and people were protesting. She must be smugly pleased to show y'all who's really in power!
Submitted by Annonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 04:27.
This move by the SRC is an insult to all Philadelphians. Ackerman, once again, answers to no one - especially the "we'll -do-anything-for-Arlene" on the SRC.
Submitted by AKAMAN (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 08:19.
It's ironic that Dr. Ackerman's mentor Ron Edmonds developed the effective schools model. His highest performing schools in the model were ones where collaboration between principals and teachers were greatest. Yet Dr. Ackerman comes in and is the antithesis of collaboration.
We do now have the political will to educate all children. Our schools don't have the discipline and participation necessary to make that will effective.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 10:03.
The reason children are proficient or above is that the proficient label fits all scores of 51% and above. Advanced is 76% and above. Someone has lowered the expectations so that more students qualify for proficient. NO child will be left behind! Hey, newsflash! Life is not multiple choice, and some will be left behind.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 11:54.
THIS IS A CRIME AND A DISGRACE. It's clear that no one in Philadelphia matters except the carpetbagging LOSER and her minions. I will NEVER vote in any way shape or form for Nutter or Rendell in any capacity.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 11:56.
"The statement notes that on the most recent state tests, for the first time ever, more than half of Philadelphia students scored proficient or above."
congratulations, Dr. Ackerman. Your changes are working. Keep up with the good work and accelerate the transformation to charter schools!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 13:12.
test scores are NOT synonymous with LEARNING. how about we find out how our graduates who are reading at a 5th grade or lower grade level are doing? how about we look at our students who move on to college are doing? Test prep is NOT career OR college prep... we are doing a DISSERVICE to our students worrying so much about a test that will have no baring on their future!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 11:59.
So four FOOLS (not the five that should be there, four) decided the fate of the students and teachers in Philadelphia?? Where the hell is Corbett? Why didn't he put his people on the SRC?? Arhchie is a slimball that has ties to PHA's Green. How can these unqualified SRC members make this decision without ANY data or discussion with community? FROG MARCH THEM OUT....
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 12:41.
I believe that Ackerman is everything that our new Republican governor could hope for, and more. With her at the helm, Corbett really doesn't have to do anything. He can sit back and watch the district crumble. Ackerman has done her part, perhaps unknowingly, to set the stage for school vouchers in PA.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 12:02.
And how about that for a Friday News dump? Page right out of the Bush regime. Stick it to them on a Friday when no one is paying attention. It is truly an insult to the REAL citizens of this city. We need a posing fraud to pretend to run our OWN schools? I don't think so. The lies about data are clear and you did NOTHING better than anyone that came before you. I have NEVER been so angry in my life!!!!!
Submitted by I Teach in Philly (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 12:28.
Why do you think Arlene named her campaign "Imagine 2014"? She was working on an extension since day one - she knew people would want to keep her on for "full implementation."
Not sure what that full implementation will mean. Possibly all Philly schools will be come charter$?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 12:40.
I will JUMP and celebrate the day that "woman" leaves my city. How anyone can live their lives being the most hated person in a city is beyond me. Maybe since you like to quote other truly inspirational and qualified black leaders, you should start quoting Michele Obama about eating less and taking care of yourself. Your actions speak much louder than your PR written words.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 13:25.
I love how the article on limiting salaries was opposed by State Seen. Anthony "Har Har" Hardy Williams, the finest politician that money can buy. I'm sure we can depend on Tony to keep up on "housekeeping" in Philly. Like too many local Democrats he depends not on doing what is best for his city, but the arrogance that this city "will always vote for Democrats". He may wake up some morning and find out he's helped the Republican take over.
Submitted by Anne E. Levin Garrison (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 14:01.
Outrageous as it is, it is pretty pervasive.
Well, look at the salary and perks.
It takes a certain kind of person (without a conscience) to maintain this kind of inflated salary in the present state of our economy, moreso in the current schools budget crisis she is managing. It is an obvious disconnect to look at cutting to the bone in all areas but her own inflated salary.
Similar people like her--Rhee, Smith, Crew seem to trend toward Florida ultimately. Apparently there are even bigger fortunes to be had down there feeding off the students, teachers and public school system. Conservative states don't seem so outraged....yet...and Jeb Bush is still making a bundle off the testing and standardizations wave.
The people of Philadelphia, and this community have shown their strength and determination.
Don't think she isn't paying attention and planning her next move already...
Stay strong!!!! Make a lot of noise and stay on top of it!
Submitted by Estelle (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 15:10.
Sorry, but this woman is not going anywhere. We can all bellyache as much as we want, but she's staying and she's doing what she wants, and Corbett will do what he wants and that's that.
Since the SRC was implemented, the district has been crumbling and now it is disintegrating at a fast pace. For some oddly bizarre reason, people want charter schools, and they are getting them.
She wants to replicate the Promise Academies from Harlem and will do just that...and, if honest research was done, it would show that teacher attrition rate is very high at those schools and the students are coddled (what will be the success rate of students from those schools, Iet's wait to see). Geoffrey Canada rules with the same iron fist that Ackerman does - his way or the highway.
Glad I'm not a teacher and that my children are almost finished their public schooling. Sadly, I'll be out of my beloved Philadelphia soon, largely due to corrupt politics.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 16:46.
I am not a huge fan of the way Dr. Ackerman runs things, but I think there are three things to keep in mind:
1. She's probably not going anywhere, unless she gets fired -- since there have been plenty of events over the past year that could have given her an excuse to resign.
2. Many of the things she has done over the last three years have been generally positive for students in Philly. (Which is why I'm so frustrated that she alienates people -- many folks would be on board with her if she were more transparent).
3. If she actually fulfills her contract, that's 6 years. Instability is a big problem in urban districts. Having the same leadership, however imperfect, for 6 years is probably better than a revolving door, each bringing new initiatives with him/her.
I wouldn't hire Dr. Ackerman if I were conducting a superintendent search, but at this point, I'm not sure it would be good for Philly schools for her to leave. The alternative would be another search, in the middle of a budget crisis (good luck finding people interested in the job), and another new set of plans and initiatives. And, as relations with unions go, Ackerman has actually been fairly cooperative -- she could have chartered the whole Renaissance Initiative, but is actually leaning pretty heavily on Promise Academies staffed by PFT teachers.
I would like to see the focus shift to trying to work productively with her, rather than against her. I admit this is very difficult with the culture and style she has established, but I think that it will be the best for everyone (students, teachers, etc.) to unite together to present constructive, data-based, and solutions-oriented concerns, rather than trite anti-Ackerman slogans. (Questioning the data, on the other hand is good -- that's the difference. People should work hard to hold her accountable, rather than categorically reject every idea that comes from 440). I think a major problem is that people (on both sides) are either "with" Ackerman or "against" her. Neither perspective is productive.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 16:55.
Correction: Renaissance Schools only hire up to 50% of the original staff!!!
By the way, are you a teacher in Philadelphia? If you had your own young children in school and had to pick them up everyday, why would you choose to work in a Renaissance School?? You have to stay and hour longer everyday and work every other Saturday. Some teachers have children of their own and need to take care of those priorities first. Also, the teachers staying in thses types of schools are usually those with 3 years or less teaching experience. Layoffs will be occurring---those same teachers with 3 years or less seniority will be gone. Now answer me this---Where will they get the teachers to teach in these schools? In the contract it specifically states that, "No PFT teacher can be forced to teach in a Renaissance or Charter School. I rest my case.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 20:47.
What are these "things" you think Ackerman has done for the children? I must have missed that. The scores were rising a good five years before she even came to town so her attempts to claim credit for that are hollow. It is her policies that are making many public schools fail. Forcing entire schools to use Corrective Reading/Math, which is meant to be used as a small grou remedial program, is taking vauable learning time away from teachers and making school mindnumbingly dull for the students who must suffer through these dreary scripts. Ackerman has been a failure with her fellow species throughout her entire life, be it with the public or her private life. Her bigoted policies will only serve to alienate more and more people when it comes to investing or visiting Philadelphia. You seem to forget that she attacked the very teachers she is depending on. Ackerman must go or Philadelphia surely will.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 21:37.
She moved up the teacher hiring process, beginning in 2009, which gave SDP the chance to get higher quality beginning teachers. She has brought many more counselors into the high schools (at least the two I've worked in). And Imagine 2014, if it is implemented well, could be a big boost. I've had contact with the Promise Academies, and they are, in most cases, doing much better with climate, and academics (and test scores do matter -- they aren't the only thing, but when over 50% of students are below basic, there is something wrong).
Corrective Math and Reading were pretty awful implementations, yes. Very awful. No argument from me on that. Her treatment of teachers isn't very good either, though it's actually probably more welcoming than many big city superintendents right now.
I'm not saying I'd give Ackerman any awards. But I'm saying that she does have a vision for the District, and many parts of that vision are doing much better than she is given credit for by her critics (which is probably why she is so defensive when legitimate issues arise). One problem with urban districts is that superintendents are almost never given time to actually implement their plans, and I don't think it would help Philly to change leadership at this point.
Alternatives to Ackerman:
1. A very aggressive reform superintendent who could and would break the union (just be much more aggressive with charters)
2. A period of no leadership.
3. Someone who is even more political/corrupt.
4. Someone with no intentions of staying in office for more than a few years (Ackerman's 6, if she lasted, would be a pretty long term in office for a Supt)
Again, I wouldn't hire her in the first place, but dismissing the superintendent in the middle of a reform initiative that has shown some progress, right before a major budget crisis is probably not the best idea. A new supt would probably be pretty vicious with school closings, etc., since that is a glaring way to solve this budget mess that makes some sense (I know that the consultant's "empty seat" numbers are inflated, but the gist isn't totally misplaced -- many schools are operating with far fewer students than they could effectively hold).
Submitted by Ron Whitehorne on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 22:46.
You make some important points. Many in their haste to indict Dr. Ackerman ignore some postiive steps she has taken. You are also right that relative to some Superintendents out there she has been more willing to deal with the union and has publically distanced herself from the militant anti-teacher rhetoric of Michelle Rhee et. al.
However, given that you also recognize her serious liabilities, I don't understand why you come down in favor of coninuing her tenure. Your message seems to be we could do worse and you list various scenarios, but surely that can't be the standard. Particularluy given the serious crisis we face we need a leader that can foster collaboration and inspire confidence. Yes, who ever that would be will have to make many difficult and unpopular decisions given the political and fiscal climate. But a leader who is honest and effective in engaging people would be serve us best in this context.
It may well be that, given the balance of forces politcally, we may end up with someone not better or even worse than Ackerman. But the only way we will avoid this outcome is by demanding a different kind of leadership and a different set of polices and organizing people around this vision.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 00:26.
Ron, I agree! The other anonymous also doesn't realize that not once has Ackerman ever praised a teacher or even spoke anything positive about teachers in this city. If you listen to her speak or read her comments in various articles, she never mentions anything positive about teachers. I don't get it since she used to be a teacher herself.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 16:23.
Agreed! In a panel with a room full of young, new teachers to the district, she told them that if they couldn't teach a rock to read without additional resources, they might as well find another job- and that's in a city where half the teachers leave before their 5th year in the classroom, regardless of whether they are traditionally or alternatively trained.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 12:10.
This may be the first time I have agreed with Ron.
Two of your criteria simply add on modifiers ("very" aggressive and "more" political and corrupt), as if there is an acceptable level, she is at it, and the only thing worse is for someone more like her. It seems as though you only define superintendents in the negative, and if you do, then she is pretty much the best at that-- I don't think we need to go through the laundry list of actions or inactions, from South Philly to Audenreid, from West Philly to the surveillance no-bid contract, from her raise and appointments to the SRC's complicit routine post-approval of contracts. Now I am relatively young and have had some experience/knowledge of three other major city school districts, but she is by far the worst in terms of management that I have experienced-- could the vision/ idea have been successful? Yes, it probably could have, but not with her style (aloof; does not admit wrong; rarely speaks to the press; never speaks positively about anything but herself; does not give credit; pins issues on others).
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 17:00.
Here is your positive comment that you were looking for as far as Superintendents: Before your time, there was Constance Clayton. Same credentials and did a fine job. You can find good Superintendents especially if you invest your time and choose the right fit.
Submitted by meg (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 19:01.
She did at least listen to the teachers.
Submitted by Another teacher (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 22:56.
Some of what you say is true. However, the foremost concern for me is the morale of the teachers in the district, because the morale of teachers directly affects students ("Children first" can never become reality if the teachers they interact with are depressed, frightened, angry, or just plain worn out from the unnecessary whippings.) Why does this woman encourage the micromanagement of teachers when in fact many of us have years of experience, have multiple degrees, work long hours, and are extremely dedicated to our students? Aren't teachers professionals? Shouldn't we be consulted and acknowledged as THE preeminent experts in the field? I think any organization that ignores the welfare of its workers is going to defeat its own goals. Misery is rampant in this district, and it's because we aren't allowed to do our jobs the way we know they should be done! I know many people disliked Vallas (I arrived here during his tenure, having worked and held credentials in three other states) but at least he didn't seem to be focused on beating up the employees. Sheesh! This place is by far the craziest I've seen! And it has only gotten crazier under Ackerman's rule.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 03:32.
I'll take my chances with somebody new as CEO any day if it means having Ackerman continue. She has a reputation that stinks from coast to coast. She was fired in San Francisco and in St. Louis (for her infamous "black agenda" remarks) and wreaked havoc in Washington too. Her "hiring process"!?!? You mean like the hiring only black applicants? Your bogeyman approach with a new superintendent fails to convince me. She is out to break the union and will turn the whole district into a charter if she is not stopped. It's time for a strike, not for more pay, but respect, more support for teachers, more services for children who need them.
Submitted by meg (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 11:45.
I think I have to agree with this post. Anyone would have to be better. Maybe we can get someone in this office who actually believes the principles Ach=kerman has posted everywhere - that parents are our partners and the children come first.
That would be a great thing.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 00:38.
Mark my words teachers will here in January 2012 (contract expires) that there is no money for teacher raises. SInce you are so fixated on Ackerman, does she deserve to be paid a salary that is more than the Governor and Mayor combined? In this day of bad economic times, will she take a cut in her pay? Did her Deputy Superintendent Leroy Nunery (who she hired) deserve to start at $235,000 salary then be handed a $50,000 pay raise in 3 months on the job by Ackerman? She like the Governor in Wisconsin want to break the union and destroy collective bargaining rights. Is this fair or right? No, it isn't. Lets be honest here---Who really wants to come here to this city and teach and try to make a career out of it? It pains me to see Perkiomen School teachers ready to strike in Montgomery County when they get much higher pay and $1,000 stipends for supplies while Philly teachers get the shaft and receive the lowest paying salaries for teachers and a measly $100 for supplies. If anyone should be on strike it should be Philly teachers. I will guarantee this---teachers will not go for the next contract and if Jordan doesn't do his job then he will be voted out.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 16:44.
ATTENTION JERRY JORDAN:
Now that you have this information about Ackerman, it is time to turn down the next contract in January 2012!!! You and all of the PFT members need to come together and show solid force and protest. I am not talking about 500 protesters either-- I am talking the amount of people protesting like Wisconsin had. You said it yourself that there was NO language in this contract to turn over that many schools to Charters!!! No PFT member can be forced to work in them...so make a stand!!! No one wants to work under Charter School/Renaissance conditions. Get the PFT lawyers on the ball and start filing lawsuits to this!!! Take the lead and have the members pull together and fight for traditional public schools
We can all post on here all we want, but until ACTION is taken to the newspapers, 440, Governor Corbett, etc., nothing will happen period.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 17:06.
I can just see it now---No pay raises for teachers. I'll put money on it!! The District will cry poor but they will give Ackerman and Nunery their overpayed salaries!!!
I thought Corbett agreed with Christie that no Superintendent should be paid more than the Governor. Heck, on Fox news it said she gets paid more than the Governor and Mayor combined!!! What a joke!
Submitted by Teacher in the trenches (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 17:59.
How many of these people are afraid of her? She is incompetent.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 19:09.
The Queen's Reign of Terror must end!!
Jerry Jordan, where are you? BTW, we did NOT vote for this horrid contract. Ted Kirsch declared that the contract passed before taking a balloted vote. We were sold out by our own union.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 00:41.
Hi! I agree. I will bet that the next contract will not be passed. Jordan knows if he doesn't make a stand, he will be voted out. The INDEPENDENT TEAM will have a candidate who will become PFT President. I do like Jordan but he is no Ted Kirsch.
Submitted by Regina (not verified) on Sat, 02/26/2011 - 20:54.
I suppose making $400K while building a $400 MILLION deficit is hard work, and deserves a contract extension.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 01:42.
I would take a pay freeze if everyone else in the district did, included the super and admins. Rather do that than have layoffs.
Submitted by Philly HS TEacher (not verified) on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 04:27.
I'd add that the money saved has to go to maintain school based staff - not for the Administrative Districts (regional offices) or 440 N. Broad. There are far too many staff under Ackerman at 440 N. Broad (I've read up to 1000 more than under Vallas) who have nothing better to do than harass school based staff.
Submitted by Meg (not verified) on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 08:45.
I think most teachers would accept a pay freeze right now, if the top administrators took pay cuts. The amount these people are being paid is ridiculous. Ms. Ackerman's pay rate is unbelievable. Firing her could hire 4 teachers or counselors.
Another point - if I could get the supplies I need that would be a pay raise. 5 to 6% of my salary goes right back into my room.
Submitted by K.R. Luebbert (not verified) on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 09:40.
Yes, I would definitely take a pay freeze if we could be sure the money was being used fro the right things--that is--in the classroom and the schools, NOT at 440.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 08:13.
I'd rather see it go into the classroom. I haven't gotten any new supplies, except books, for my classroom since I started 4 years ago. I work with lower grades where you need a lot of hands on materials...yet they never replace anything so WE spend all our money or go without. Where does all the money go? Oh right, to Ackerman and her cronies....it's NOT all for the children.
Submitted by Anthony P. Johnson (not verified) on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 09:46.
Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
School District of Philadelphia
440 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19130
Dear Dr. Ackerman,
On October 5, 2009, I humbly requested your assistance in a matter that would make a positive difference in the quality of life for hundreds of young people in the North Philadelphia community.
I proposed that the School District of Philadelphia donate the R.S. Walton Elementary School Building located at 28th & Huntingdon Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19132, to Dream Field Academy. The building, located in North Philadelphia, has been vacant since Barry Elementary School exited it more than four calendar years ago. The property is now being used as a dumping ground and for other illegal activities in a community that is in dire need of quality and effective programs.
Unfortunately, in that time span you never responded.
I had also written Bill Fox Jr., Director of Real Property Management several times from 2006-2008 requesting the “donation” of the property, but he continued to inform me that the building at the time was “not for sale.”
R. S. Walton Elementary School is a beautiful old building that resembles an 18th century castle. The school has three floors with 7 to 8 rooms on each floor. It has several fire towers and a cement school yard.
R.S. Walton Elementary School can house over 600 people. If the building is donated, Dream Field Academy, along with its affiliates of other community organizations and faith base organizations, will be able to provide effective programs to a neighborhood that is decimated with violence, an increase in youth and adolescents not completing school, thereby increasing the dropout rolls and poverty. As you are well aware from the stories and statistics, young adults who drop out of school are much more likely to turn to crime and violence because of their feelings of hopelessness.
R.S. Walton Elementary School holds special memories for me. You see, Dr. Ackerman, I attended this institution as a child from kindergarten through sixth grade from September 1976 to June 1982. The academic enrichment, the support, and love that the faculty and administration provided me as a youth is a tradition that we could revive and provide to a community that has been infected by illiteracy, poverty, and apathy.
Dream Field Academy is a non-profit, grass-roots organization, and we cannot afford to rent or lease the building. That is why this generous donation will help Dream Field Academy to ensure that we can continue to provide quality educational projects and enrichment for the community that is in need. These are services that the Board of Education used to provide before all of the major funding cutbacks and can no longer afford to provide.
Will you help me?
If you require additional information of the services we provide in Philadelphia, please feel free to contact me at 215-715-0355.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your cooperation regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson, Founder
Dream Field Academy
Email: johnsonanthony99@hotmail.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/dreamfieldacademy/
Submitted by Anthony P. Johnson (not verified) on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 09:48.
Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
School District of Philadelphia
440 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19130
Dear Dr. Ackerman,
On October 5, 2009, I humbly requested your assistance in a matter that would make a positive difference in the quality of life for hundreds of young people in the North Philadelphia community.
I proposed that the School District of Philadelphia donate the R.S. Walton Elementary School Building located at 28th & Huntingdon Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19132, to Dream Field Academy. The building, located in North Philadelphia, has been vacant since Barry Elementary School exited it more than four calendar years ago. The property is now being used as a dumping ground and for other illegal activities in a community that is in dire need of quality and effective programs.
Unfortunately, in that time span you never responded.
I had also written Bill Fox Jr., Director of Real Property Management several times from 2006-2008 requesting the “donation” of the property, but he continued to inform me that the building at the time was “not for sale.”
R. S. Walton Elementary School is a beautiful old building that resembles an 18th century castle. The school has three floors with 7 to 8 rooms on each floor. It has several fire towers and a cement school yard.
R.S. Walton Elementary School can house over 600 people. If the building is donated, Dream Field Academy, along with its affiliates of other community organizations and faith base organizations, will be able to provide effective programs to a neighborhood that is decimated with violence, an increase in youth and adolescents not completing school, thereby increasing the dropout rolls and poverty. As you are well aware from the stories and statistics, young adults who drop out of school are much more likely to turn to crime and violence because of their feelings of hopelessness.
R.S. Walton Elementary School holds special memories for me. You see, Dr. Ackerman, I attended this institution as a child from kindergarten through sixth grade from September 1976 to June 1982. The academic enrichment, the support, and love that the faculty and administration provided me as a youth is a tradition that we could revive and provide to a community that has been infected by illiteracy, poverty, and apathy.
Dream Field Academy is a non-profit, grass-roots organization, and we cannot afford to rent or lease the building. That is why this generous donation will help Dream Field Academy to ensure that we can continue to provide quality educational projects and enrichment for the community that is in need. These are services that the Board of Education used to provide before all of the major funding cutbacks and can no longer afford to provide.
Will you help me?
If you require additional information of the services we provide in Philadelphia, please feel free to contact me at 215-715-0355.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your cooperation regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson, Founder
Dream Field Academy
Email: johnsonanthony99@hotmail.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/dreamfieldacademy/
Submitted by Christina (not verified) on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 12:46.
When is the next rally, TAG?
Submitted by Philadelphia Citizen (not verified) on Tue, 03/01/2011 - 08:47.
Dr. Ackerman is consistent. I read Dr. James Lytle's guest blog from Jan.2010 (part of the prizewinning Notebook blogs, http://www.thenotebook.org/blog/102082/guest-blog-theory-action) and realize what we're up against. It's larger than one particular woman in power.
Submitted by Philly HS TEacher (not verified) on Tue, 03/01/2011 - 10:02.
Thank you for reminding of this post. Based on the following, by 2014 when Ackerman and her "Central Office" cadre leave, we'll be left with a mess:
"What outcomes does the District’s “theory of action” foretell? Does the research on effective schools, school improvement, and school change support the approach being taken?
A direct answer would be no. Deficit-framed, high stakes accountability, remedial approaches, with significant sanctions and minimal rewards, do not work for the long-term, either in schools or the corporate sector. They erode the trust and willingness-to-risk which behavior change requires, foster low expectations, limit adaptation at the school-site level, and portend long-term morale problems, including high employee turnover, and declining organizational performance."
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