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Former Philadelphia Schools Chief Arlene Ackerman Files Unemployment Claim

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(Dr. Arlene Ackerman, when she ran the Philadelphia school district.  File photo by Mike DeNardo)

(Dr. Arlene Ackerman, when she ran the Philadelphia school district. File photo by Mike DeNardo)

Mike DeNardo

Reporting Mike DeNardo

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Former Philadelphia schools superintendent Arlene Ackerman, who was given a nearly $1-million buyout earlier this year, has applied for unemployment.

School District spokesman Fernando Gallard today confirmed that Ackerman wants to collect state unemployment benefits.

“The former superintendent did apply for unemployment,” Gallard told KYW Newsradio today.

This comes after taxpayers funded a $905,000 buyout when she was shown the door in August (see related story).

As part of her separation agreement, the School Reform Commission agreed not to contest any unemployment claims she might file.

The news isn’t going over well with Michael Lodise, the head of the school police officers’ union who fought for several months to get unemployment compensation – and eventually succeeded –  for 120 school police officers laid off in June.

“These people were really hurting, really needed it,” Lodise recalls.  “And here’s a woman with almost a million dollars, and she wants unemployment besides.  I just don’t understand it.”

Based on her former salary, Ackerman would be eligible for the state maximum of $573 a week.

Ackerman had no comment, referring questions to her attorney, Dean Weitzman.  Weitzman told KYW Newsradio that Ackerman qualifies for unemployment benefits because she is unemployed and was asked to leave the school district but not fired for cause.   It will be up to the state unemployment compensation board to approve Ackerman’s claim.

Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio 1060

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  • Eddie Sweet

    Once a trougher, always a trougher. This is pathetic, even for an education bureaucrat.

    • Chuck U Farley

      Well, she needs all the money she can get…..so she can afford to buy more food….how else is she going to stay that fat? Obesity is a serious problem, and staying that way costs money! You don’t think she just woke up one morning, looked at herself and said “oh, no!”…no, getting and maintaining that bod took time and serious conscientious effort. I would not be surprised if she was collecting food stamps as well. fterall, if you are black and live in Philly, you can get away with anything.

  • enemyoftheobamastate

    A woman of color abusing the system! What a novelty!

  • Briank

    She’s probably 2x dumber than a rock, gets great union pay for who knows how many years and still wants to leach off the private sector. Shocker and very typical.

    • Jawal

      I fear that only a civil war is the only way to stop this run away insanity. The Neo/com’s have ruined the public sector almost on every level. All one has to do is add up the national debt, the lack of will on the part Democrats and local elected officials to roll back spending and we have a recipe for disaster. I am beginning to wonder if the economy is allowed to collapse there might be a chance to reverse the welfare state before it is too late. I would rather be poor and free than a slave working my remaining years to feed,clothe and house others. That is immoral. Liberals have lost all sense of balance and common sense. You cannot have a decent discussion with a lib before they call you a bigot for disagreeing with them.

      • Attila The Hun

        Civil war is correct. Whether we want it or not. Predictable as hot weather in summer breeds bad storm.

      • Andrew P.

        A civil war huh? That’s what you think.. Just because Jefferson said, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants,” doesnt mean we should be advocating violence. In any case, it probably wouldn’t help. What we need is compromise, not conflict. Partisanship is what is destroying us. Of course the Dems and the GOP wont always agree. They need to compromise to ensure lasting results. A “super-committee” is not an example of compromise.

        I’m sure I agree with you on many subjects in the political arena, but to advocate a “civil war” is reckless. Lives will be lost, and it’s doubtful that the change will be for the better.

      • DEAR ANDREW P

        IM SHOCKED YOUR REPLY GOT PAST THE CENS ORS HERE

        TOO THOGHTFUL A COMMENT, PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMMENTS TO “STIRRING
        OF THE POT ”

        NAME SANE ????? HH

      • Attila The Hun

        Let me add, Jawal, your comment is a thoughtful comment.Like you, I would rather march across a snake infested swamp in 100 degree weather fighting for a cause for a thousand years if it honors God’s wishes. Keep up the commentary.I would rather be a slave and get to Heaven than be a gangsta with riches than go to Hell.

      • AWAITING MODERATION

        AWAITING MODERATIOIN … UH CEN SORE SHIP THAT IS

      • krp

        Problem is, the people of this country don’t have the stomach or the cojones for a civil war. They talk a big game and say “Wait till November” and think they can get victory at the ballot box, but losing elections doesn’t phase the liberals. The people are too fond of their iPhones and their flat screen TVs to really do what is necessary.

    • Pat

      administrators are not part of the union

  • Sheeza Wun-Pursentar

    She’s a little short this month.

    Hey, buddy! Can ya spare a dime?

  • Massimo Deportado

    Another democrat in good standing.

  • nortonburgess

    Those that can’t – teach.

    And when they really suck at their job then they get paid to leave.

    • Pat

      she wasn’t a teacher.

    • Andrew P.

      believe it or not, school systems employ more than just teachers..

      • Di Versity

        Andrew P. said:

        “believe it or not, school systems employ more than just teachers.”

        I agree. In most large districts, Dr. Ackerman. types are so numerous that it is mentally vomitous, criminal! and thank GOD the economy is shrinking so the world knows who they are!

        The 99% ONE percenters!

  • perseus317

    What is needed is for people to store this story away, and then publish it over all web pages the next time there are contract negotiations between the city and the teachers and administrators in its schools. We continue to throw money at schools and teachers, but there is no improvement in the educational level of our students. Money is not the answer. Accountability and alternatives (by way of vouchers) are much more effective ways of improving education.

    • Jared Synd

      Could it be dumb parents? Not enough money in the world to help out with that….

      • OneandDone

        Sorry but you can’t blame the failing school system in this country on parents! Can you sit there and say that parents across the world are better than parents here? NO! There are bad parents everywhere in the world and yet the US teachers still can’t teach!! US – worst educated students of all civilized countries!

    • Pat

      she is/was not a teacher.
      And parents of children who fail the system should be punished.

  • jnsesq

    Seems not all Ghetto Gimme Girls are necessarily 16 year old baby mamas. Class act, “Doctor.” No whut ah’m sayin’, yo?

  • D

    .Fat pig

  • Michael

    Why am I not surprised, a diverse member of this community filing for all she can steal from the hard working taxpayers of this community.

    • Ellie Light

      D E M O C R A T

      +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
      President Obama’s slow ride down Gallup’s daily presidential job approval index has finally passed below Jimmy Carter, earning Obama the worst job approval rating of any president at this stage of his term in modern political history.

      Since March, Obama’s job approval rating has hovered above Carter’s, considered among the 20th century’s worst presidents, but today Obama’s punctured Carter’s dismal job approval line. On their comparison chart, Gallup put Obama’s job approval rating at 43 percent compared to Carter’s 51 percent.

  • Osamas Pajamas

    Democrats are adept at turning American civilization into a string of Thrid World dumps, all across the frkn map.

  • MichMike

    Likely making a couple of hundred grand as salary along with car and many other benefits. This is our future. Amazing how the educated class can tolerate this bs in their midst. Sickening and for sure she is not embarrassed.

  • Jose Arciniega

    I’m not sure why anyone is surprised. This is the natural result when liberalism and union power are uncontrolled.

    • SIG

      Idiot… she fought the Teachers Union. They were part of the group that wanted her out!

  • Carolyn

    I am sure GUTTY Ackerman filed for unemployment compensation since she probably invested the buyout monies, that the city taxpayers were suckered out of !!!

  • sean patriot

    GOTTA GET WHITEY’S MONEY ANY WAY YOU CAN HUH !!!!

  • Run Twentysixmi

    Not hard to believe at all!!! Philadelphia is just one more failing, bankrupt, big city that has been run into the ground by corrupt big government, tax, and spend Democrats!!! These people are not only corrupt, they are the most incompetent idiots imaginable!!!
    They enrich themselves, prop up their union friends, while letting the schools become dangerous, rundown failures that doom generations!!!!
    Our country is doomed!!!!

  • Mary

    This is a disgusting person. She is a selfish B—H!

  • Tony Sailor

    I would do it. I make almost six figured right now, and when I leave my current employment I’ll have free medical for life. But when I choose to leave my current job, sometime next year, I might file for it also unless I choose to work. Most people in my field tyically make close to six figures on thier 2nd job, but I might decide to take some time off. If the law allows it, I’ll do it.

    • TonySails toy boats in his bathtub

      Obama voter huh? Gimeee gimmeeee, gimeeee.

    • John Onenut

      The law does *not* allow it. If you choose to leave your job, you are not eligible. If you are taking time off and not actively looking for a job, you are not eligible.

    • Jay

      Who is going to give you free medical coverage for life? Smells bogus to me.

      • Julius Vernon

        Actually a lot of government employees or union workers get that benefit. Pathetic that we should be flipping the bill for that.

    • Julius Vernon

      You dope. You can only collect unemployment if you were terminated, not for quitting.

      • Tom ONeill

        You mean laid off.Not terminated.

  • Tom ONeill

    And she waited until Obama submitted a bill to extend benifits for two years. If
    she had applied befor Obama submitted his request,she would only be eligible
    fo 26WKs.

  • I’m right and you’re not

    This request shows that she would fit in well on Wall Street.

  • Kathy P.

    You have GOT to be kidding me….this is totally OUTRAGEOUS! And people wonder what Occupy and so many other Americans think of our government, both federal and local, who write the policies and laws that allow this stuff to happen?

  • harkin

    Liberalism in a nutshell, stick it totaxpayers repeatedly.

  • LostGirl

    This is beyond disgusting. And it can’t be contested? Oh, I’m sorry, but there is soooo much entitlement attitude going on here. How many Philadelphians don’t even have jobs? A coworker had a perfect suggestion: Occupy Philadelphia should go occupy in front of her house. Greed to the nth degree!!

    BOO HISS ON HER AND ALL HER LYING CRONIES.

  • Raymond A. Collier

    Files for Unemployment after receiving $905,000.00 buyout? Fricken Incredible!!!!! Have to admit, she’s got Chutzpah! Now, DENY THE REQUEST FOR UNEMPLOYMENT!!!!!! Find another line of work!

  • Frank

    DENIED, DENIED, DENIED, DENIED

  • Raymond A. Collier

    $905,000 buyout. Now she wants Unemployment???? You’re breaking My Heart! She’s a Leech on the System! After this little stunt, she better save every dime of that buyout. I wouldn’t hire her for what she’s doing. I’ve been fired from a number of Jobs & could’ve taken Unemployment. I Didn’t! I found another Job. If I can do it, so can she!

  • Tiredofitall

    I know I made my comment below, but, I’m liking yours better. You said it so much better than I did. LOL

  • Darrel

    And so incompetant they paid her $905,000 to just leave. Somebody please hunt down this cow and slap the stupid out of her.

  • SPhillyGuy73

    Pennsylvania’s actually a pretty decent state to live in. Philadelphia on the other hand is a typical mess of a city that has been run into the ground by progressive, out of control liberals for the past 50-plus years.

  • ATH

    Great moniker – Crack in your side

  • Crack in side pocket

    That’s the point. Ebonics is hilarious. What’s even funnier is ebonics. Isn’t that just a liberal excuse for poor English speaking skills

  • jocko philly man

    That wasn’t where you saw her. You saw her at a press conference announcing she had an affair with Herman Cain,

  • Dear jocko philly fan

    HERMAN CAIN HAS BETTER TASTE NOME SANE ?

  • OneandDone

    ROFLMAO!! Now that is funny! Actually that will be tomorrow’s story.

  • OneandDone

    If you spent more time doing rather than begging you might not have to beg anymore!

  • Red Hawk

    Ah, didn’t take long for a liberal Demwit to post about Rush/Hannity! FYI, we followed that model before – it was the Reagan years. Medicare is BROKE, SS WILL be BROKE, and next up your precious Democrats want to take over PRIVATE pension plans and 401k plans. Take a walk pal.

  • John Moser

    Most trash like yourself are obscenely wealthy, you just don’t work for it.

  • OneandDone

    I’m guessing you forgot about the 3rd war Obama started and he didn’t even get congressional approval.

  • OneandDone

    Oh and while we are on the subject of budgets, why hasn’t Obama passed a budget since he became president? You complain Bush didn’t put the war in his budget well, at least he HAD a budget. Obama doesn’t even know what a budget is!

  • Fyou

    You’re a moron. Come see me in Baltimore sometime. I’ll show you all the stupid, worthless, lazy people. Crack addicts who keep having more kids so they can collect more welfare. Wanna guess who they voted for?

  • Red Hawk

    And Charlie Rangel.

  • Richard Allen Kirkwood Sr.

    I beg your pardon. White folks like you just need to shut the hell up, you act as if white people are the only one that do every damn thing right in this country. Has the IRS given you statistics on how many black people have been audit? I think not!

  • Craig
  • jColes

    Gosh, folks, the fact of her race should be irrelavent to her being a greedy, probably ill-prepared, ineffective and most likely Progressive leech on society.
    Clearly, she has no sense of decorum, lacks social morals and is intent on taking much more than she ever intended to give to society.
    I have no problem with y’all denigrating everything about this peson’s conduct and greed, but let’s get back to American values and leave race out of the criticisms.

  • Van Bones

    I’ll stop talking about race when affirmative action is ended.

  • Maureen

    Wow, consider me schooled! LOL!! Thank you for your post! (now I’m just going to delete some knee-jerk comments I made on a friends FB page about this lady)

  • Dave Turner

    She’s *entitled* to it. That’s probably her justification.

  • dano

    you have hit the nail on the head, as to morals and or character that our educational administrators have. From molesters of children, to lazy theives. Maybe not all of them, but many are that hide behind their sheepskin degrees that are responsible for the future of this country, via the childrens education. Not much difference between this woman and banksters, and politicians.

  • JOe Dutra

    Bingo!

  • ZippyMoonbat

    Smugero gots to be. Urban dictionary for sho

  • MQW

    Truth hurts SOOOO bad. (Loser.)

  • YOU GO VERONICA VETS

    HH LOVES YOUR FLAVOR

  • JIm

    It’s yet taxpayer money! Don’t you get it d _ _ _ _?

  • Drew

    Unemployment ‘insurance’. Tell me, what does she need insurance from, Jamaal? Whether or not people understand what unemployment is seems beside the point. The fact is that she was let go for obviously doing a sub-par job (and if you are working for the Philadelphia schools, thats pretty difficult). But the thing that is really disconcerting is that she got a $900k severance package for failing. Especially in an area where school funding is a premium. Granted, I don’t know if the money came from that particular schools coffer, but it came from somewhere that probably needed/deserved it more.

  • Robyn

    Employees don’t pay into the unemployment fund. Only employers pay into it. Check your paystub. Do you see a withholding for unemployment on there?

  • skyisreallyfalling

    Your conclusion results in the presumption that your sympathy lies with the undeserving. You know who they are, and might be one yourself.

  • SH

    I will be willing to bet Professor that you could not even pass a class on the constitution let alone pass the 8th grade.

  • Tom Walter

    Who be yo baby daddy? Na mee, gnome say’in home skillet.

  • Steve B.

    Really?! Social Welfare in this great country ONLY exists because God fearing, law-abiding, bigoted whites (I’m assuming you are; if you’re not, I really feel sorry for your mindset) like yourself could benefit from them; and, believe it or not, MANY OF YOU STILL DO. Remember, Rufus, that the majority of everything is nothing in this country unless you’re white. Theorhetically, there are more dregs like you that pilfer off the System than anyone else; and if they do, it’s because the majority of people with power who look like you are catering to them for reasons of their own self-interest.

  • Jamaal Johnson

    It’s only taxpayer money after a prolonged period of time.

    Would you prefer it be a welfare program funded 100% by taxpayer money? Would you prefer your neighbors be able to take advantage of it, but not you?

  • Jamaal Johnson

    If I buy AAA insurance and get in a car accident, should I be denied because I have $900,000 in the bank?

  • SIG

    Ironically you want change… but Ackerman was pushed out because she represented change. Why is she incompetent? Where does it say that? If you took a little time to find out the facts, instead of posting idiotic inane comments you might realize she was someone that was trying to reform the system… and it cut to close to the bone to those in power.

  • Jamaal Johnson

    The argument that the employer pays for it is moot. It absolutely doesn’t matter. Why even bring it up? Insurance was paid for on behalf of an individual. That individual should be allowed to legally exercise the insurance if eligible.

    It’s a benefit and an employee cost. I am an employer and I consider it part of my employee wages.

    As an employer, why am I paying for this insurance?

    We should be much more concerned as to why the school system got itself into a position where it must issue a $1M payout.

  • Chicago Nick

    You got it, and to think this was all out in the open for the people to see when a brave and informed American like Joe “the plumber” Wurzelbacher challenged this Muslim born Marxist right in his own driveway prior to any chances of Obama getting elected, and the MSM and liberals eviscerated the man even using the government’s long arm of tyranny to smack him down when he called Obama on his plans to “redistribute our wealth”.

    A plan he and the Globalists’ had concocted along with global warming to take our hard earned money and distribute it to the third worlder’s who haven’t done a thing to advance societies around the world for thousands of years now out of their own volition.

    Mission Accomplished alright as we see the Fed has now sent 17 trillion dollars of our money and money we don’t have to these ingrates around the globe and at home. God help us all if this man survives another election figuratively of course.

  • Progressive Sledge Hammer

    At least you all have the brave Governor Walker who’s stood up to those unions and turned your state’s shortfalls into a near balanced budget in mere months by instituting a few for the most part painless extractions from the public union’s far beyond fair compensation packages already.

    Look at what these leftists have done to him and your statehouse there, having that months long Union Liberal Jamboree that cost the state near a million dollars to clean up after!!!

    And you know why liberals leave mounds of garbage everywhere they go?

    Because they know public union employees will get the overtime cleaning it all up, that’s why!! Freaking out and out criminals at the top and down to the middle ot the Public Union rank and file in this country and Europe today.

  • SIG

    You do realize that Ackerman fought the Teachers Union as well. She is not part of the Union. She went after the system and lost.

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