Notes from the Field
Submitted by Frank Murphy on August 4, 2011
The revelation that a handful of School District of Philadelphia principals are receiving bonuses for either helping to plan the rollout of Promise Academies or to continue as the principal of these schools for a second year has stirred another round of controversy concerning Arlene Ackerman’s effectiveness as the leader of the Philadelphia School District.
The timing of this news release couldn’t have been more inopportune for Ackerman. This revelation was made the day before a special vote on contract givebacks was scheduled for the members of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (CASA). This union, which represents school district principals and other administrators, has been considering accepting economic concessions to their negotiated agreement in order to assist in closing the School District’s gaping budget deficit.
The fact that some seemingly favored principals either had received or are slated to receive bonuses of $10,000 apparently is information that took the leadership of CASA by surprise. As a result they have been placed in an awkward and embarrassing position. It is difficult to propose making economic concessions to the general membership of a union when a handful of their fellow members are enjoying a financial windfall. This news will surely cause many members of CASA to wonder whether their school superintendent is negotiating in good faith with them.
Two other points are worth serious consideration when examining this expenditure. First, why was it even necessary to have a committee of principals to do this work? Secondly, why are some principals being financially rewarded for remaining in their position for a second year while others will receive no additional compensation?
The four principals who have already received this $10,000 bonus were members of a special committee that assisted in planning and implementing Ackerman’s Promise Academies reform model. Undoubtedly these administrators worked diligently in addressing this task and their efforts should be recognized. But this is beside the point. Shouldn’t the planning, organizing and implementation of this internal school district turn-around strategy have been the responsibility of the many highly paid central office employees and consultants that Arlene Ackerman has hired to assist her?
The other six principals will receive this $10,000 bonus next November. They are eligible for this benefit because they will return for a second year as the principal of a Promise Academy. These individuals who are classified as Renaissance school principals already receive the highest compensation of all school district principals in accordance with the last contract agreed to by the School Reform Commission and the Commonwealth Association of School Principals. Why should these principals who are already being generously paid be given an additional bonus? It doesn’t make sense to reward them for simply continuing to remain in their position for another year.
This is just another demonstration of the preferential treatment of individuals consistent with Ackerman’s leadership style. It is an action that will not encourage the members of CASA or for that matter any of the other district unions to give up contract benefits that they previously negotiated in good faith.
Giving stealth bonuses to a handful of principals creates a strong impression of a management system that plays favorites. This is a divisive and unproductive practice. Our tax dollars shouldn’t be used to fund it.