Ackerman: I'm here to stay
by Dale Mezzacappa on Jun 27 2011 Posted in Latest news
Superintendent Arlene Ackerman reiterated today that she is here to stay, flatly denying that she has been talking to the School Reform Commission about leaving.
"This may be wishful thinking for some, but I’m here, let me be really clear about that," Ackerman said at an SRC meeting called to pass a resolution authorizing the collection of city taxes for the District. "There are no discussions underway."
Ackerman, in a statement during the meeting and to a scrum of reporters afterward, said she believes that criticism of her leadership – and leaks of documents including the draft of potential school closings – are "distractions" perpetrated by people who are not interested in educating all children in public schools, just some.
"I don’t know how that rumor got started, but I hope today we can end it and we can move on with the work of trying to improve the educational lot of all of our children; not some of them, not those, not mine, but all of our children," she said.
She and her deputy Leroy Nunery characterized a document that transfers to him power to sign important paperwork during the months of July and August as "routine" and recommended by attorneys. She said she was planning to take some time off during those months "and I'm not going to apologize," saying she hasn't had a real vacation in three years.
"This is how most large organizations are run: a succession plan and a plan for action. People have jumped to conclusions," Nunery said.
Later, District spokesperson Fernando Gallard reported that the District's Office of General Counsel said this is not the first time such a document was prepared in case of contingency; the last time was in May, he said, although Gallard said he didn't know why.
Asked whether she wanted to stay on as superintendent given the mounting criticism against her, Ackerman said:
"I came here to do this job. I was asked to do it. And as far as I know the SRC, the mayor, and all those people who were critical to my staying are still on board and very much focused on moving forward with Imagine 2014. I don’t know who these other people are, but they’re not going to get their way here. I’m here for these young people."
After the vote on the resolution, several public speakers questioned several aspects of District decision-making.
Helen Gym of Parents United for Public Education (and a Notebook blogger) criticized the District for "disrespecting the public," and losing credibility. She urged a change in leadership.
As the meeting was about to be adjourned, one of the scheduled public speakers, Emmanuel Bussie from GOTV America, raced in and spoke glowingly of Ackerman's accomplishments, accusing District critics of seeking the limelight and undermining children's education.
"There should be fewer attacks and more ideas," he said. Later, Ackerman said that people she meets in "supermarkets and on the streets" are always urging her to fight for all the District's children, not just some "just as that young man said" – referring to Bussie.
"This school system works well for adults; unfortunately it doesn’t work well for many of the young people," she said. She said that some of her critics may find "threatening" her resolve to make sure all students are educated.
"We came here to do a job, we’re going to do that job, and all the rest of this is just noise, from leaking documents that are drafts to rumors that I’m leaving," she said.
Christie Balka, who is the director of child care and budget policy for Public Citizens for Children and Youth, said that school closings might adversely affect the availability of subsidized early childhood education in the city – which now serves just 30 percent of eligible children.
And Rebecca Poyourow, a parent of students at Cook-Wissahickon, asked how the teacher layoff policy was taking into account potential school closings. She said that even though 84 children were registered for third grade in that school next year, one of three teachers was being laid off. "The layoffs are not considering a school's future needs," she said.
Ackerman and Estelle Matthews, the District's director of talent and development, said that the issue of layoffs is still being worked out in arbitration, but they are committed to fulfilling an agreement with City Council to restore smaller class size in kindergarten through 3rd grades.
Kristen Graham of the Inquirer live tweeted the meeting, and other comments and updates from the meeting were tagged with the #phillyeducation hashtag.
Comments (29)
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 15:37.
Please leave--I'll drive !! Just go!! and take your minions and assorted crooks with you.
Submitted by Rich Migliore (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 16:21.
The best news is that they are going to commit to restore lower class size in Kindergarten through third grade. That is something we have been calling for for my 35 years with the district and needs to stay. That will make a difference to children and that MATTERS.
Now if we could just get a commitment for reading specialists for every student who falls behind in reading development in those years, we could really do some great things for children.
And then of course, all students who fall behind two reading grade levels should receive the benefit of small group instruction conducted by a reading specialist or English teacher who has a background in reading.
Then, and only then, will we maximize our level of literacy in the district.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 16:24.
Forget the whole arbitration thing. Why can't the courts hear the case on layoffs? The only way to get rid of her is the Mayor, City Council, or Governor. The same thing for Archie. This woman hasn't had a nice thing to say about teachers at all. Jerry Jordan I hope you are listening loud and clear---Stop applauding the District about compromise--their is no compromise on the layoff issue. Wait until Thursday June 30th and see if they cancel our contract. Be prepared to "WALK" off the job with the teachers--All 11,000 strong. They can't find enough replacements. Show her and the SRC what will happen for messing with us!
Submitted by Alice in Wonderland (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 16:25.
How can someone who has run up a 639 MILLION dollar deficit and who has been involved in so many pathetic incidents (Southern, Moffat, million dollar turn-styles, contractor hiring favoritism, overpaid central office administrators, income tax troubles, layoff procedure shenanigans, etc. etc.) still be in charge of one of the largest school districts in the country? Wasn't Vallas run out for a $73 mil. deficit? WHO is minding the store? I honestly don't understand this city.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 16:33.
You are correct!! They ousted Vallas because of $73 million. Why not Ackerman for causing a $629 million hole? Could race be involved? I sure hope not.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 22:02.
Alice-------------Hackerman is doing Corbett's bidding. The Corporate Special Interest and Union Busting Groups all love this chaos. Vallas was a varmint but not like this. Having said that, I do believe where there's smoke, think fire. I bet she is gone over the Summer and that extended vacation may be the end of her. People have had enough of her corruption etc. and who knows, maybe the Feds have found lots of stuff too. Either way, I bet she's done here. The SRC are a total flop and need to be disbanded. The 630 Million hole--if it is true---a big IF--is stunning and speaks to the Queen and the SRC in bad, bad terms.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 16:35.
Forget the whole arbitration thing. Why can't the courts hear the case on layoffs? The only way to get rid of her is the Mayor, City Council, or Governor. The same thing for Archie. This woman hasn't had a nice thing to say about teachers at all. Jerry Jordan I hope you are listening loud and clear---Stop applauding the District about compromise--their is no compromise on the layoff issue. Wait until Thursday June 30th and see if they cancel our contract. Be prepared to "WALK" off the job with the teachers--All 11,000 strong. They can't find enough replacements. Show her and the SRC what will happen for messing with us!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 16:36.
Governor Chris Christie said one thing I agree with: "No Superintendent should get paid more than the Governor".
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 17:34.
If we had a labor leadership with any convictions instead of special interests, we would put up a labor candidate for mayor with a program in the interests of the working people of the city instead of the Chamber of Commerce, the banks, and corporations. Part of its platform should be firing Ackerman (with no severance pay) and getting rid of the SRC and returning OUR schools to local control.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 18:00.
You are so correct. I STILL believe she's on her way out or maybe it's just wishful thinking. She does Corbett's bidding 24/7 and we all better be careful if Jordan is a coward.
Submitted by Bookie (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 21:16.
I'm sure she'll be gone before the new year. Too much water under the bridge. But it has to play out politically, yada yada. I hope it's sooner rather than later.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 21:20.
It can't be soon enough. She's made us Detroit.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 18:03.
She referenced "The Children" 3 times in 3 sentences--Yikes--Please stop, Arlene !! There's nobody left to lie to. We all know the truth--even that no nothing band that follows you around in a semi trance.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 18:39.
did anyone of the 174 people find out that you are not being layed off??
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 18:54.
HR said it was 174 K-3 teachers saved by the funds.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 21:10.
Am I understanding this correctly? The 174 lay offs in question involved elementary teachers--not secondary?
Submitted by Relieved (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 19:00.
I found out through my principal as I was assisting with summer school organization that I was not on the final layoff list. I then was called by my union rep for the region and told my job was saved through the reduced class sizes. I was in the top twenty for my K-6 certification which I found out last week when I called the union so I guess there are two sets. Those who had their layoffs rescinded for reduced class sizes and those on "hold" due to arbitration.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 18:54.
philly school district says the 174 K-3 teachers saved with part of new city money will be notified later this week
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 18:56.
Forget the whole arbitration thing. Why can't the courts hear the case on layoffs? The only way to get rid of her is the Mayor, City Council, or Governor. The same thing for Archie. This woman hasn't had a nice thing to say about teachers at all. Jerry Jordan I hope you are listening loud and clear---Stop applauding the District about compromise--their is no compromise on the layoff issue. Wait until Thursday June 30th and see if they cancel our contract. Be prepared to "WALK" off the job with the teachers--All 11,000 strong. They can't find enough replacements. Show her and the SRC what will happen for messing with us!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 20:13.
I TOTALLY agree with you. Jordan either acts like a leader or get out of the way.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 20:22.
I just found out through email that I was still laid off, that was so thoughful. I don't understand how 323 special education teachers are no longer needed. Who is going to be educating these children in September? The district is going to have many angry parents to anwers to when their childs IEP is not being followed.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 20:51.
You will be hired back, no doubt about it. Just like Kindergarten and School Buses. Smoke and Mirrors, Cloak and Dagger stuff. Politics as usual with a mix of the Queen loving being the Savior..................Again.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 21:08.
Wow, they advised teachers that were initially "laid off" that this is definite through e-mail? I am at a loss for words here. I wish you the best.
Submitted by Comrade (not verified) on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 21:20.
So sorry! Please hang in there -- I agree with the person who thinks most or all will be rehired. I hope you can ride it out!
Submitted by Chaos is Winning (not verified) on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 06:55.
"If you're against me, you're against all children," a retread on this megalomaniac's previous battle cries. And nobody - NOBODY - in the press or city government is willing to point out how insane this statement is.
Nor did any of these press stories note that Ackerman is starting her two-month vacation days before she is to receive her $100,000 retention bonus (I'd like proof she deferred it), which is also the same day she's going to destroy more lives by nullifying our contracts. The day after that, 1500 teachers get laid off. Is this the time anyone with a shred of leadership would wander off somewhere? Her timing is cowardly and irresponsible.
Submitted by laid off teacher (not verified) on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 09:54.
Well I received my layoff notice yesterday through email. It stated please accept this layoff notice, can I say no, idiots. I believe that some teachers will be called back but not all of us. I can not wait to see everything fall apart on her in September, but I feel awful for the students. It is ironic that she keeps mentioning that all she cares about is the CHILDREN but she caused this mess.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 15:31.
Why does this women still have her job??? And who taught her how to budget? Who is keeping her here?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 16:35.
WHO IS CORRECT. somebody wants her to stay in philly!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 20:15.
How much time do you think she spends "at the supermarket or on the streets?" Seriously.
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