Nutter, SRC, state officials sign education partnership agreement
Nutter, Ackerman and others make "education" announcement
Nutter, SRC, state officials sign education partnership agreement
Dafney Tales
UPDATED: Just as we suspected, the "education" announcement by Nutter, Ackerman and company, was to show the public that the city, state and school district have officially established a formal partnership.
In the spirit of "solidarity," Mayor Nutter, School Reform Commission Chair Bob Archie and Education Secretary Ron Tomalis, signed an agreement at City Hall today, cementing what's to become a free flow of information and coordination between the school district, city and the state.
"This represents a new beginning, a new way of working together," Ackerman said.
Archie said that he, and his fellow board members, agreed to make the partnership a reality.
"Most on the SRC thinks it's best practices," he said.
Meanwhile, Tomalis noted the move was "unique" and "unprecedented."
In keeping with the mayor's request for more information, district officials met the deadline Nutter set to receive a chart outlining how officials planned to move forward should the city provide additional funding.
The district also provided Nutter a list of programs funded Title I dollars, federal funding earmarked for low-income families.
"For that, I thank them," Nutter said.
Since a blunder last week that left relations between Ackerman and the mayor temporarily chilled, both she and Nutter have went through great pains to show an united front.
And for good reason. The district still has a huge deficit to worry about, and Nutter is trying to get a longshot soda tax and real estate tax hike approved in City Council. He's trying to help cushion the district's $629 million hole in next year's budget.
Ackerman annoyed the mayor last week when she gave him only an hour's notice before announcing that she'd figured out a way to save full-day kindergarten by shifting over Title I dollars. On Sunday, Nutter responded with a nine-page letter demanding that the district be more transparent and accountable.
He'd requested more frequent meetings and information regarding contracts, salaries, pensions, benefits and other matters, which the SRC yesterday voted to honor.
At the news conference, Ackerman wanted to put to rest any lingering questions about tension between her and the mayor.
"Although there was a misstep," she said, "it hasn't damaged a relationship that we've had."
IS this an announcement that Ackerman is resigning? If not, no one will listen or care. The Education Accountability Agreement is a sham because Ackerman will cook the books.— Don Cornelius- Nothing will change until Ackerman resigns, this is just some smoke and mirrors to save face on both parties...the big losers?? The citizens of Philadelphia.
40% graduation rate, 10% graduate college...I could do better with a $.50 piece of chalk and a chalk board.— RandyFloyd - This better announce she's stepping down.— CrazyIvan
- GO BACK TO YOUR 'JOB FOR LIFE' and leave our children alone!— citylumberjack
- Please tell us she's leaving without any additional money paid. Tomorrow she can be arrested and thrown in a cell with no AC!— paladin6
- Come on, Nutter. Get a grip and have this an announcement that she is GONE. If she truly cares about her "babies," she will get out now.— legend1
- Two options would make me happy. Ackerman is gone, or the SRC is gone. Anything else is meaningless.— juliec224
- I agree. No one will believe a WORD if there is not a major change as in Ackerman is Gone or the SRC is gone.— legend1
- i wish the announcement was that they both were being kicked to the curb, as to jail. they are both losers. they need to take city council to he-- with them.— etbarksdale
- If it isn't to announce that Arlene is gone, Nutter does not deserve a second term. Notice I didn't say he wouldn't get one, since a Republican hasn't won in forever, just that he doesn't deserve one.— drbob1
- So Nutter believes that Ackerman and the SRC will adhere to a signed agreement? Um, that's what the unions have. What's good for one is good for all-right? At this point, we should buy her out, because she has a contract, and try not to let the door hit her on the way out.— Fillygirl250
- The only announcement they need to make is that Ackerman is fired.— hititwheretheyaint
- An important announcement about "education", or about more "taxes" and hidden "fees". No shame from the shameless. Fish on.— Genghiscon
- Yay, higher taxes for a third year in a row during the worse recession since world war II. Gotta love this city!— CouncilOfChumps
- I have heard about the trans-pass and all-day Kindergarten issues being resolved, yet I have not heard about yellow bus service for the students.— reasonableihope
