Ackerman Axed

Philadelphia School District Superintendent Arlene Ackerman has stepped down today after reaching an agreement with the School Reform Commission and Mayor Michael Nutter.

“This decision, as difficult as it was for Dr. Ackerman, is consistent with her history, as well as recognition that for the District to best move forward, it must do so with new leadership,” SRC Chairman Robert L. Archie Jr. said in a joint statement issued with Nutter and Ackerman.

Ackerman will reportedly be compensated $905,000, $405,000 of that in anonymous private donations.

“Although earlier this year Dr. Ackerman’s contract was extended another year through June 30, 2014, Dr. Ackerman and the Commission have agreed that any money that would have been owed to her under that one-year extension would be retained by the School District to be earmarked for the nine Promise Academies and utilized for their benefit,” Archie continued.

Deputy Superintendent Leroy Nunery will act as interim superintendent while the city launches a national search for Ackerman’s replacement.

“In the wake of the biggest budget deficit, the most significant program cuts and largest employee layoff in the more than 30 years, a change in leadership is a step in the right direction and is welcome news to the teachers and support staff who have been disregarded and disrespected repeatedly by this administration,” Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry T. Jordan said.