McGeehan calls for Ackerman to be fired

A state representative from Northeast Philadelphia said the head of the Philadelphia Public Schools should be fired.

State Rep. Mike McGeehan says school district head Arlene Ackerman has lost the confidence of officials in Harrisburg. McGeehan cited Ackerman’s $348,000 salary and accusations of retaliation against whistleblowers.

“One more day of Arlene Ackerman in control of the school district endangers and jeopardizes the fiscal well-being and health of the school district of Philadelphia as well as the taxpayers of Philadelphia,” said McGeehan.

McGeehan has asked Gov. Tom Corbett to ask the School Reform Commission to remove Ackerman from her job under the terms of her contract.

“I’m pleading with the governor to use his leverage and the power of his office to compel the School Reform Commission to summarily dismiss the superintendent,” McGeehan said.

School district spokeswoman Shana Kemp responded to McGeehan’s statements.

“For the first time in the history of this district, more than 50 percent of the students scored proficient or better in state standardized tests, and that’s something that has never happened before here,” said Kemp.

Supporters of Ackerman also rallied outside district headquarters.