Arlene Ackerman Says She's Not Trying To Bail Out
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman says she's not going anywhere.
Ackerman is denying reports that she is negotiating a buyout of her contract. She called "false" reports that she was negotiating with the School Reform Commission to buyout the remaining three years of her contract.
"We came here to do a job," she told KYW Newsradio today. "We're going to do that job. And all the rest of this is just noise -- from leaking documents that are draft, to rumors that I'm leaving, secret negotiations with the SRC -- it's simply not true."
Ackerman admitted signing over some executive authorities to deputy superintendent Lee Nunery for July and August, but she says that was a routine matter recommended by district lawyers for any summer vacation time she takes.
Ackerman says that while it may disappoint the wishful thinking of her critics, she's going to remain on the job.
Ackerman did say she plans to take a vacation this summer.
"I plan to take some time. I haven't taken a real vacation in three years," she said. "I guess you could say it's long overdue, and I won't apologize for it."
Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio 1060 and Ben Simmoneau, CBS 3 Eyewitness News
