Notes from the Field
Submitted by Frank Murphy on August 25, 2011
There are times when the statements of public officials are contradicted by their actions. In the case of former Philadelphia Superintendent of Schools Arlene Ackerman this frequently was the situation. During the three years she worked in Philadelphia, Ackerman often proclaimed that her first priority was to address the needs of our city’s students. At the same time she was frequently dismissive of the concerns of teachers.
Yet the needs of Dr. Ackerman were more than well attended to during her brief tenure as the superintendent of our schools. She enjoyed a generous compensation package that included an extravagant yearly salary, large bonuses and many special perks and benefits. To top off her Philadelphia financial windfall, she received a severance package with apparently the highest payout ever offered to a school superintendent in America. How much she benefited economically is astounding especially when you consider that she was employed in a city where more than 25% of the population is living in poverty and the poverty rate of all children under the age of 18 in the city is 33%. In the face of these facts, it seems hypocritical for her to claim that she selflessly gave her all to the children while taking so much from our district’s budget. This is a fascinating example of when a person’s deeds do not match their rhetoric.
Ackerman’s actions have consistently spoken louder than her words. And they frequently have served as an alienating and a divisive force. Her mishandling of the racial intimidation and resulting outburst of violence at South Philadelphia High School is probably the most glaring example of the mismatch that existed between her declarations of noble intention and the dispiriting reality of how she exercised her authority.
Leroy Nunery, who will replace Ackerman as the interim school superintendent, declared at his initial press conference that he would make it his first priority to reestablish the public’s trust and confidence in the School District of Philadelphia. This is an excellent idea. As he proceeds with his attempt to move our district forward from the tumultuous final days of the Ackerman administration, he should be afforded the benefit of our doubt. Let’s give him some time to demonstrate that he can do what is necessary in order to calm the chaos of recent months. It won’t take long for us to see whether he is up to this task. As he assumes the mantle of leadership, his actions will quickly define who he is.
In this time of transition, Mr. Nunery has been offered a unique opportunity. It is up to him to demonstrate whether he is ready to take on the challenge of being the superintendent of the eighth largest school district in the nation. In doing so, he would be wise to learn from the missteps of his former boss. But most importantly, Nunery should demonstrate that his actions will be consistent with his words.
In this way he will make it clear that he is not Arlene Ackerman.