Caucus backs embattled superintendent

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

Members of the state’s Legislative Black Caucus expressed support for embattled Philadelphia schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman on Wednesday amid rumors she might be bought out of her contract.

Lawmakers joined community activists and local clergy in a closed-door meeting at Ackerman’s office, emerging about two hours later to call for separate meetings with the mayor and School Reform Commission, the city-state panel overseeing the district.

The legislators — all Democrats from Philadelphia — said complaints about Ackerman’s leadership are unwarranted and noted she has boosted test scores, introduced promising reforms and created parent outreach programs.

“We believe that she has what it takes and has proven that she can do what it takes,” said Rep. Ronald Waters, adding that Ackerman’s contract was extended because of her success.

But, as she gets ready to begin her fourth full school year in the city, Ackerman has seen her support steadily eroding. Critics say she is overpaid, autocratic and a polarizing presence in Pennsylvania’s largest district.

She has taken heat for her $348,000 salary — twice what the mayor makes — and the district’s unprecedented $664 million spending gap this year, though much of the deficit was due to cuts in federal and state aid.

Ackerman also lost a dispute this week with the teachers union, in which she unsuccessfully attempted to protect staff in her signature school overhaul program from layoffs despite their lack of seniority.

And she caused grief for Mayor Michael Nutter this summer when, after he reneged on a no-new-taxes pledge to raise money for a jeopardized kindergarten program, she found the necessary funds without immediately telling him. Nutter then forced the district to give city and state officials unprecedented access to its financial information.

On Wednesday, Nutter spokesman Mark McDonald said the mayor has an excellent relationship with the black caucus and meets with members regularly. He did not say the same of Ackerman.

“The mayor supports the district and its mission to provide quality education for Philadelphia children, and he certainly supports the education programs that have produced improve graduation rates and test score performance,” McDonald said.

School Reform Commission members, who rarely question or debate Ackerman in public, have been characteristically mum — leading to criticism that they are dragging out an untenable situation. The members are nominated by the mayor or governor and confirmed by the state Senate.

Commission chairman Robert Archie Jr.’s most recent statement said simply that “Dr. Ackerman is and continues to be the superintendent” and that members will work with her “to make sure that we have a successful school year.”

Caucus member Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams said Wednesday that Ackerman is a victim of outside agendas and that he hopes to “get to the bottom line of what these disgruntled comments are all about.”

“It’s always been about politicians, it’s never been about children, academic performance or, frankly, the contract she signed,” Williams said.

Buying out Ackerman, whose contract runs through 2014, could cost up to $1.5 million. But Sen. LeAnna Washington said that won’t be necessary.

“I’m convinced that she will stay on the job,” Washington said.

Ackerman has said as much herself, remaining adamant about staying in Philadelphia throughout weeks of questions surrounding her tenure.

That remained the case Wednesday, as spokeswoman Jamilah Fraser said the superintendent will continue leading the district’s 203,000 traditional and charter school students this fall.

“She looks forward to serving the kids and getting ready for a new school year,” Fraser said.