Corbett says he’s still looking for answers on Philadelphia schools

Pennsylvania’s governor is taking “wait and see” attitude about the Philadelphia schools.

Governor Tom Corbett says he needs more information about why problems persist in Philadelphia while the School Reform Commission (SRC) should be providing oversight.

“I can’t answer that question yet, I do not have a member on the SRC I do not have the satisfactory information about what the SRC is doing until my members are confirmed and they can get that information for me,” said Corbett.

The governor would not comment about the SRC buying out former superintendent Arlene Ackerman’s contract for $900,000.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

“That’s the kind of reaction I’m not going to share you with you,” said Corbett, laughing. “I don’t have a public reaction to it. That’s an issue between the former superintendent and the school district, what I am more concerned about is the education of the children of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania and getting a good education.”

Corbett has nominated Pedro Ramos to the SRC, but the state senate has not held a confirmation hearing yet.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal