Ackerman moves top school leaders around

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Philadelphia School District Superintendent Arlene Ackerman has shaken up her top leadership team again, bringing in her third chief of staff in 16 months and moving several others into new roles.

Tomas Hanna, formerly district chief of school operations, took over as chief of staff this week. His $180,000 salary will not change.

Hanna replaces Thomas Darden, a former venture capitalist and fellow of the Broad Superintendents Academy, a nonprofit group where Ackerman remains on the faculty. Darden came to the district in March to replace Shawn Crowder as chief of staff.

Darden has not been working as chief of staff for several weeks, said Evelyn Sample-Oates, a district spokeswoman. He was moved to a new job as deputy for process improvement and compliance, and will scrutinize contracts, grants, and improvement plans, Sample-Oates said. He will be paid $130,000, down from the $180,000 he earned in his previous role.

"Both of them are still working with us," she said. "It's not like there's any bad blood or anything negative. Both of them are in positions that play to their strengths."

Hanna has extensive experience in the district, with stints as a teacher, principal, and human-resources chief. He's also a former Broad fellow.

"Tomas Hanna was the best person for the job," Sample-Oates said. "Dr. Ackerman and Tomas know each other. Their working styles are compatible."

Taking over Hanna's job as chief of school operations is John Frangipani, who was South Region superintendent. The job will pay him $160,000.

Former Assistant South Region Superintendent Ralph Burnley takes Frangipani's old job on an interim basis, and Emmanuel Caulk, who had been deputy chief for instruction and leadership support, will become interim regional assistant superintendent. Burnley's $123,600 salary will not change; neither will Caulk's $130,000 salary.

David Weiner's deputy-level job has been elevated to a cabinet-level position; he's now chief of accountability. He will be paid $150,000, up from $130,000.

Sample-Oates said this year's budget planned for a new accountability chief. Funding for the other moves was found in the district's $3.2 billion spending plan.

Also in new roles this week are Traci Teasley, who left the high school region to take over Caulk's old job, still at a salary of $123,600, and Pamela Brown, who in addition to Northwest Region superintendent will lead the Empowerment Schools initiative. She receives a raise to $160,000. Retired administrator Jack Hamilton will assist in the Northwest Region and continue to earn $315 a day.

These were not the only changes in Ackerman's top leadership this year. General counsel Sherry A. Swirsky has been on administrative leave for months, and former communications vice president Cecilia Cummings left the district this summer. She was replaced by Sample-Oates.