In light of Ackerman buyout, Philly principals balk at concessions

Philadelphia School District principals have rejected a set of district-proposed contract concessions.

Members of the principals union voted against a series of proposed adjustments that included delaying raises and contributing toward health care if two other unions agreed to do the same.

Robert McGrogan, who heads the local chapter of the Commonwealth Association of Administrators, said many of his members were angered by the requests in light of former Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman’s hefty severance package.

“Many of our members were reading the newspaper, looking at the lack of concessions made on her part and being asked to dip into their pockets and make a concession in the best interest of the school district,” McGrogan said.

The School Reform Commission recently bought out Ackerman’s contract for $905,000.

A district spokesman says negotiation efforts will continue.

School District officials are hoping to save $75 million in concessions from all five employee unions.