Philadelphia's New School Chief

Arlene Ackerman, the former San Francisco schools superintendent, was named as City School Chief yesterday by Mayor Nutter, with Gov. Rendell's support. The School Reform Commission will subject her to review before final approval.



What Does the City School Chief Do? Link.



Arlene Ackerman Summary:

• Helped San Francisco redistribute it's funding structure so that school in poverty areas were given more.
• Known for 'cleaning up' government spending on schools.
• Known for having trouble relating with Unions and critics to work out equitable agreements.
• Described as an 'autocrat' or 'dictator' by former colleagues.
• Despite her troubles with Board of Education and long term staff members Ackerman has improved every school system she's been in charge of financially and organizationally.