Senators grill School Reform Commission nominee

HARRISBURG - Gov. Rendell's nominee to the School Reform Commission was grilled for more than an hour yesterday during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Education Committee about whether his work as a private lawyer would cause any conflict with or bias in his duties on the Philadelphia panel.

Joseph A. Dworetzky, a former Philadelphia city solicitor, was questioned most intensely on his position on charter schools. Lawmakers, including Sen. Anthony Williams (D., Phila.), wanted to know whether his past representation of the state Department of Education in litigation involving charters in the Chester-Upland School District meant he opposed such schools.

Dworetzky responded that he did not believe his past work would interfere with his commission duties, and noted that he was not philosophically opposed to charter schools and did not harbor any "animus" toward them.

"I, in good faith, would follow my brains and my heart in making the right decision for the children in [Philadelphia] in such matters," he told the senators.

Dworetzky also said he did not intend to leave his job at a law firm to serve on the commission, which is an unpaid position. He added that he did not believe remaining in private practice would pose any conflict.

Williams, who helped found several charter schools in Philadelphia and sits on the board of one and chairs the board of another, seemed skeptical.

During the hearing, he said the lawsuit Dworetzky had handled against Chester-Upland raised the fundamental question of whether charter schools take money away from public schools. He said he was concerned Dworetzky's legal position reflected his personal opinion.

"A private attorney makes decisions about who they will or will not represent," Williams said.

Several times, Williams tried to corner Dworetzky into taking a firm stand on that question, but the lawyer responded simply that he believed both charter and public schools should have adequate money to carry out their missions.

Williams also noted, to the glee of some his Republican colleagues, that he was concerned that the School Reform Commission lacked any Republican nominees.

"I'm a proud Democrat," he said, but added that it made it "very challenging" when the school district came to the legislature - particularly the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans - for funding.

After the hearing, Dworetzky said he "thought that we had a good exchange, and I enjoyed the opportunity to answer their questions."

The committee is expected to decide this week whether to recommend Dworetzky. It was unclear, given the line of questioning yesterday morning, how members intend to vote.

"The record of the nominee, at least on the surface, demonstrates some conflict with the notion that we need innovation, that we need choice in education, particularly in the city of Philadelphia," said Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R., Dauphin), who chairs the Education Committee.

Piccola said he was "undecided at this point" on Dworetzky.

Regardless of the panel's decision, the nomination will ultimately be decided by the full Senate.