Philadelphia School Reform Commission meeting: wild ride

Former Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman is gone, but the controversy surrounding her departure is not. Case in point:Wednesday’s wild meeting of the School Reform Commission.Longtime West Philadelphia community activist Novella Williams led a parade of speakers who denounced Mayor Michael Nutter, School Reform Commission Chairman Robert Archie, and others for their role in Ackerman’s ouster.  “I came here today because I’m concerned,” said Williams. “She deserved not to be lynched by three or four Black men.”  The commission voted unanimously to approve a $905,000 buyout package for the outgoing superintendent, but refused to comment on what led to their decision or identify the anonymous donors who contributed $400,000 toward the fund.  State representative W. Curtis Thomas of North Philadelphia was among those who expressed their dissatisfaction with the arrangement. “We must identify the private donors of this deal,” he said.Ackerman also gets a $130,000 contribution to her retirement fund.  She has until August 27 to revoke the agreement.

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