Good afternoon,14 Council Chair and other distinguished15 Councilmembers. 20 ACORN is a part of a large coalition that21 has come together to create a teaching22 quality and equity platform. This23 platform currently has 18 endorsing24 organizations. I'm here today to25 256 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 respectfully ask the Council to give its2 full support of our goal of having a3 great teacher in every classroom. I ask4 you to go a step further by not only in5 supporting our platform, but also using6 your power of influence to persuade7 Dr. 21 Now is my turn to be a child's22 saving grace as others were for me. As23 an advocate, I serve from out of the24 scriptural teaching that I am my25 257 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 brother's keeper. 16 With that said, we are pleased17 that Dr. Ackerman's strategic plan listed18 a great staff as one of its key19 principles. Dr. 12 These schools also suffer from constant13 problems with teacher turnover. 22 Several weeks ago, I heard Dr. 4 Now is the time to use stimulus5 money to invest in these measures. We6 know that Dr. Ackerman has her budget7 priorities for the upcoming fiscal year,8 which include reducing class size in9 grades K through 8, expanding Head Start10 programs and increasing school counseling11 staff. These are great priorities, but12 teacher effectiveness must be among these13 priorities as well and be funded this14 coming school year. 23 In closing, on behalf of ACORN,24 I thank you for allowing me the25 261 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 opportunity to address you today. It is2 my hope that you, the City Council, will3 see the wisdom in our platform and4 embrace it by pushing Dr. 6 If the School District puts7 teacher effectiveness at the top of their8 agenda by funding it this year through9 the stimulus funds, I believe that in10 time parents, teachers, public officials11 and community members will stop having to12 answer Langston Hughes' question, What13 happens to a dream deferred? 16
Thank17 you.18 Any questions for ACORN and19 Ms. Oladupo?20 (No response.)21
All25 262 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 right. Helen Gym and Cecelia Thompson,2 you are the last witnesses to testify3 before the School District returns.4 Thank you very much.5 (Witnesses approached witness6 table.)7
8 Thank you very much, Councilwoman9 Blackwell. 15 We have a very aggressive16 hidden agenda. Our primary agenda is17 that after decades of seeing declining18 investments in our classrooms and years19 of experimentation with expensive choice20 models with overall erratic results, we21 want to see this District go back to22 investing in each and every classroom23 across the City and building budgets24 based on what every school needs. 25 264 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 I also want to acknowledge the2 efforts of this School District's CEO,3 Arlene Ackerman, and the District's4 partners for some key break-through5 reform efforts that people have already6 mentioned. A citywide initiative to7 implement reduced class size is something8 we have not seen significant advancement9 on for years despite having a stated10 commitment to it. 16 We'd also like to acknowledge17 the District's efforts to reduce the18 counselor-to-student ratio and a number19 of other initiatives that helped boost20 the baseline resources in schools. 25 265 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 To that end, we'd also like the2 District to consider and for City Council3 to consider other solid things. When we4 talk about the core educational reforms5 that make a difference in schools, we'd6 like them to think about things such as7 high schools and for our neighborhood8 comprehensive high schools. 20 The other area that we'd like21 to point to -- and we know that these are22 both long term as well as things that we23 want to put out there, but we also know24 that in order to elevate the baseline25 266 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 resources for schools, we want to think2 about resource like librarians. Last3 fall's near miss with the City around4 losing a number of different library5 branches reemphasize the importance of6 what it means for a child to have access7 to literacy in their schools. We also8 know that the Association of Philadelphia9 School Librarians has said about one in10 four schools now has a full-time11 librarian, with the majority placed in12 high schools. According to the13 District's budget, in December 2007 there14 were 67 filled library positions, but15 next year there are only 58 for 26716 buildings. 3 Secondly, I guess, the issue4 that we are a little bit concerned about5 is that we have seen in previous budgets6 an effort to identify certain areas where7 there could be some amount of cost8 savings. We haven't quite seen that in9 this budget, and we think that there's --10 it sort of is an area that we would like11 to explore more, particularly because of12 what someone else had testified earlier13 to from PCCY, which is the issue of14 contracting. There's several areas of15 contracting that we think are very16 serious within the School District that17 need to be taken a look at. 5 million. We'd like to see City24 Council announce support for a District25 268 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 decision to abolish the funding for the2 BRT. 9 Number one, there isn't really10 other models that I'm aware of where this11 is consistent. 814 million. However, about half the EMOs15 currently, about 20 of them by our guess,16 have about one-year contracts that will17 expire this June. 7
My name is10 Cecilia Thompson. 15 Just to have some of the money go to the16 increase in the number of staff -- it17 could be case managers or special ed18 directors -- so that they can provide the19 technical assistance, as they are charged20 to do per the Department of Education21 Bureau of Special Education. 4 Currently, probably due to5 budget constraints, there's just one case6 manager and one special ed director per7 region. That's not satisfactory. They8 are probably at this point doing reactive9 instead of proactive, meaning if a parent10 is mad because the IEP is not being11 implemented properly, they are trying to12 make sure that that parent's concern is13 addressed. 21 Number two, an increase in the22 number of special ed teachers. These23 teachers should have some knowledge base24 in reading. In the more self-contained25 274 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 classrooms where a child is spending the2 majority of their day with that teacher,3 a lot of these special ed teachers, they4 have the passion and really want to work5 with our children, don't have their skill6 set in reading. 18 I was at an IEP meeting on19 Monday where they could not provide this20 young man five days of travel training21 because they did not have enough staff to22 do that. They can only do that two times23 a week. This is a young man who is24 getting ready to graduate, and it's25 275 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 really important to his family that he2 knows how to get on and off SEPTA without3 assistance or without having to use4 Paratransit. 8 And then, lastly, there's9 always talk about professional10 development for teachers, for11 psychologists, for everybody else. I12 would like to suggest professional13 development for principals, regional14 superintendents and assistant regional15 superintendents. 21 Because although they may have empathy22 and really want children to succeed,23 reading all those IEPs, dealing with all24 those parents, dealing with all those25 276 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 personalities of children is very2 challenging for a teacher. So when a3 teacher does ask for additional staff or4 additional assistance, I think it's not5 seen as needing it. So a suggestion for6 professional development for the regional7 superintendents and the principals is8 actually spending a week in an autistic9 support class, spending a week in a10 learning support class, spending a week11 in a life skills class and spending a12 week in emotional support class. 21
Thank22 you, Ms. Thompson.23 Thank you very much. We24 appreciate all who have come for public25 277 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 testimony. Certainly we thank everyone2 for their patience, and we invite3 Dr. Ackerman back.4
I7 certainly apologize, Councilwoman8 Reynolds Brown. Your question?9
Thank you.10 Let me just commend you,11 Ms. Gym, on your effective voice for our12 city's children. It matters.13 To Ms. Thompson, are you the14 mother of a special ed child?15
Okay.17 Then that's what I needed to know. Was18 your testimony based on personal19 experience or stories that you've heard20 from other mommies who are having that21 type of challenge?22
More so from23 other parents. I mean, I do struggle24 too, but I feel until the school gets it25 278 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 together, it's my responsibility to learn2 the material, to teach him at home,3 because I refuse to have him graduate4 without the skills he needs. So I have5 the math book, the social studies book,6 the science book, the English book, and I7 have about six books at home that I read8 it, break it down, give it to him9 visually so that he can understand what10 he needs until his teacher gets it11 together.12 Are you surprised?13
In some17 ways it's an affirmation.18 Let me just suggest that you19 seize the moment, that the head of that20 department is here, and you're the best21 advocate. I call it being an agent for22 your child. So seize the moment and23 secure the ear of that professional to24 see how you can -- whatever it is you25 279 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 need done with that IEP plan -- it is2 IEP, correct?3
When you say4 "professional," I just want to clarify.5 Which one are you talking about? Because6 the person that's responsible is my son's7 principal and the regional8 superintendent. And if they can't help9 me, then who -- I mean, if they can't10 help parents, because by law the11 principal is in charge of the building12 and they are responsible for all children13 in their building. If they don't get it14 together, then that regional15 superintendent, those are the only two --16 I mean outside of the superintendent, of17 course, but those are the two people that18 are responsible for those children.19
Well, then20 let me suggest that you speak with the21 President's Chief Operating -- the22 leader, Dr. Ackerman, who can guide you23 through what you're trying to do for your24 child.25 280 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171
Thank5 you very much, Councilwoman.6 Any further questions?7
I have a8 comment.9 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:10 Councilwoman Sanchez.11
Yes. I12 would be remiss not to also acknowledge13 the work of Helen Gym and all of the14 folks at Parents United. You guys are15 the ones that keep us on check, and as16 you well stated, sometimes we don't17 always agree, but it is important that in18 that discussion and in that debate,19 ultimately we provide better services for20 our children. And we are accountable for21 the School District in an indirect way,22 but in a very direct way, because we fund23 the School District, and we definitely24 appreciate the work of you and all of the25 281 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 other stakeholders for the work that you2 do. I just want to acknowledge that.3
Thank5 you very much.6 Thank you, ladies.7 Dr. Ackerman, I think we're8 ready. I know you've headed up three9 times. And as you and Mike Masch come10 forward, another one of your talents11 we've learned is patience. We thank you12 for that, and we do appreciate your13 vision as well as your commitment to make14 changes where needed and the ability to15 see them. We've been around a long time,16 and the ability to face these issues head17 on and to make change reality is so very18 much appreciated. So we did want to19 acknowledge your commitment and thank you20 for all of your hard work.21 (Witnesses approached witness22 table.)23 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: Thank24 you.25 282 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL:2 Councilman Green.3
Thank you,4 Madam Chair.5 We knew Dr. Ackerman was6 patient, because she's a teacher, and now7 we're learning Mr. Masch is far more8 patient than his reputation that preceded9 him.10
So I would13 like you to -- the questions that Helen14 Gym asked sort of rhetorically but out15 loud about what we can expect in 2014,16 we'll send you copies of the transcripts.17 When you reply to our questions, if you18 could also please answer those questions19 so that they can be available for the20 record.21 I had a quick question about22 the capital budget, and, that is, in the23 capital budget category "other" is 17.624 percent. What is "other" in the capital25 283 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 budget? The chart is on Page, I think,2 21.3
Councilman, let me7 direct you to the -- we have provided you8 with a full consolidated budget and --9
I can understand12 that. But I would direct your attention13 to in which we provide a more14 detailed breakdown. If we've made the15 slices any smaller, we wouldn't have been16 able to do that chart. So that helps get17 at part of it. Obviously in each of18 these categories then, things break down19 into specific projects, some of which are20 scheduled and then some of which we keep21 in reserve.22 Let me just compare the chart23 here so you can see. In the "other"24 category, you're going to see the25 284 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 administration for the program and the2 cost of bond issuance and the reserves3 that we keep. And I'm trying to see4 which other categories we don't have5 itemized here. I think we don't -- we6 don't do the science lab category and we7 don't do the security category --8
Okay.9 That's fine. Rather than go through it,10 I'll look through that. Just to cover11 something generally, these hearings were12 originally scheduled for two days. We13 really could spend two days here talking14 to you going through this budget and15 gathering information. So what I'd16 really like is to get your agreement that17 what we'll do is -- what I will do anyway18 after getting through a few more19 questions is submit the balance of20 questions in writing and then have your21 responses provided prior to the time when22 we vote on your budget so that we can23 follow up. Is that satisfactory?24 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: I25 285 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 think we can go better than that. If2 you'd like and any other Councilmember3 would like, we could provide you with one4 on one.5
Well, I'd6 like them back in writing for the record.7 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: I8 see.9
It will be10 made a part of the record so that the11 information is not just provided to us,12 but available to advocates and every13 other stakeholder. But I appreciate14 that, and we may take you up on that, but15 I think it ought to be part of the public16 record as well.17 Mr. Masch, Chief Business18 Officer funds have gone from -- I guess19 it's estimated 60 million this year, 5820 originally adopted to 89 million next21 year. What's the -- and you probably can22 point me to the break-out page, but what23 is the additional $19 million in that24 category for?25 286 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171
The largest2 increases are for upgrade and replacement3 of the District's Finance and Human4 Resources systems. And I point you in5 the PowerPoint to Page -- to Slide 55,6 which is an itemization of all of the7 major spending increases. We get about8 97, 98 percent of the spending increases9 in here.10 The current financial and Human11 Resources systems for the District were12 installed in 1999 in order to deal with13 the fact that the old Legacy systems were14 non-Y2K compliant.15
The City's16 were probably installed prior to your17 service with the City. So I understand18 the need for that. But sorry, go ahead.19
Right. The problem20 is the vendor that was selected, which21 was a relatively small vendor, not one of22 the major enterprise resource planning23 software vendors, is no longer going to24 support these applications after this25 287 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 coming fiscal year. The licenses have2 expired. The software is in fact not --3 it will not be supported in the future.4 So we have to either upgrade with that5 vendor or with a different vendor.6
Let me7 suggest to you, Mr. Masch, that you talk8 to Allan Frank at DOT. They are in the9 process of upgrading all of the City's HR10 systems and some of our financial and11 accounting package. The City of12 Philadelphia owns the Oracle Business13 Suite and has been offered free upgrades14 to this. It has HR components. It has15 kind of everything you'd need, and maybe16 we can get a license that would cover17 both the City and the School District and18 save --19
We've been in20 extensive discussions with Mr. Frank.21 Mr. Frank was sitting in my office22 considering whether he ought to pursue a23 period of time in public service when he24 got the call from the Mayor asking him to25 288 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 be the Chief Information Officer for the2 School District. So I know him pretty3 well.4 I would -- and I think we do5 understand what we need to do here. I6 did two Oracle installations at the7 University of Pennsylvania, an NSAP8 installation at the Commonwealth. I will9 be glad to take, on behalf of the School10 District, any discounts that any credible11 vendor is prepared to provide us, I12 assure you. So I will talk to the CIO13 for the City about opportunities to do14 that.15
Is there a16 reason we couldn't be on the same system?17
The Oracle19 database, all of that licensing is very20 expensive. You can segregate that in21 servers, but there may be no reason to22 purchase it twice.23
Right. That's the24 point of the Shared Services Task Force.25 289 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 That's where we discuss those things.2
It hasn't, because5 until and unless we receive the stimulus6 funding through the Commonwealth, we do7 not have the resources to do these things8 and we're going to have to consider what9 kind of emergency arrangements we have to10 make when those licenses expire. So this11 is the year in which we'd be having those12 discussions.13 The basic installation licenses14 are not where you really run up the15 expense with these vendors. It's the16 seat licenses. It's the number of people17 that you allow to have access to the18 system. You pay for each seat. So the19 more seats you have, the higher the cost20 of the contract. That's where they21 really hit you.22 And the other issue that we23 would have is, our chart of accounts is24 very different from the City's chart of25 290 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 accounts. So we could run on the same2 underlying system, but in terms of3 actually operating, we'd have to be in a4 segregated space.5 I would say too, I know the6 City's IT environment pretty well and I7 know the School District's, and I see8 what the School District has done in the9 time since I've been gone and come back,10 and I think that the folks over in the11 Department of Technology would12 acknowledge that the School District had13 actually done some very innovative14 things. For instance, we maintain no15 enterprise servers of our own. We16 contracted out all of that with remote17 servers. Our servers are located down in18 Georgia. The business arrangements that19 we've made are very cost effective, and I20 think the City is interested in looking21 at what we've done in that regard in22 terms of the basic hardware that's23 underlying the operating systems that we24 now need to purchase to replace the25 291 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 obsolete ones.2
Okay. Thank3 you.4 It looks like you're spending5 roughly $200 million sort of on programs6 to implement Imagine '14 in the coming7 year, and that's money that wasn't spent8 before, and I'm a bit concerned about the9 continuity of Imagine '14 if we spend in10 terms of being able to have that level of11 programmatic expenditure through the five12 years versus, say, investing in13 infrastructure, consolidating out of the14 44,000 seats lower overall operating15 costs so that cash flow will be increased16 and we can have more money left over to17 support programs. Like I'm wondering why18 we're making this investment versus other19 investments that may in the long run20 provide more cash flow.21 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: I'm22 going to let Michael answer the finance23 question, but we have to do both. Given24 the severity of our student achievement25 292 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 rate and the success or lack of success2 for large numbers of our children, we3 have to sort of stop the hemorrhaging4 now, use these monies wisely and, at the5 same time, put in place -- look at cost6 savings.7 So it's not an either/or for8 us. It's a both. We're going to do9 both.10 (Bell rung.)11
Well, I12 mean, are we confident that when the13 funding runs out from the federal14 government, that we are going to have15 found $240 million in efficiencies16 through lowering the cost of -- getting17 rid of some administrative bureaucracy or18 consolidating buildings or other things a19 year in order to continue with Imagine20 2014 through 2014?21
We are not going to22 be able to balance the School District23 budget on a sustained basis simply by24 improving our operating efficiency, and25 293 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 the math of that is pretty2 straightforward. If all of our3 administrative operations in total equal4 about five to six percent of our total5 spend, we could reduce that five percent,6 ten percent, 20 percent. It would not7 give us the kinds of resources that we8 need.9 In this budget, which provides10 for no across-the-board wage increases,11 we already need to spend about $6012 million to cover health benefit increases13 and just the annualization of increases14 that are already built into collective15 bargaining agreements. We need an16 additional $14 million for debt service17 for the capital program. We need an18 additional $4 million for what are pretty19 optimistic estimates in terms of20 utilities consumption and rate increases,21 and those are just some of the --22
No. I23 understand, but the question then is, how24 do you plan to sustain the programmatic25 294 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 spending that we're putting in place this2 year in the out years of the Imagine 20143 plan?4
2 billion budget. But it is10 Phase I. 19 We're going to have to do all20 of those things. We're going to have to21 be more efficient. And if you look at22 the part of the plan for -- the23 world-class operations part, what we call24 the fifth part of the plan, we don't25 295 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 spend a lot of money in that part this2 year, but we have to do things that are3 really critical, and we've talked about4 them. We need to completely redo how we5 do school budgets to make sure that,6 first of all, that school budgets reflect7 the system of great schools we're hoping8 to build, where we don't have a9 one-size-fits-all. 13 We set a marker in the ground14 on that by following Dr. Ackerman's15 initiative this August and beginning the16 empowerment school initiative where the17 lowest-performing schools are not being18 treated like other schools. 21 So we need to do that. We need22 to do the master facilities plan. We23 need to -- one of the reasons that we24 need to upgrade our business systems is,25 296 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 if we want to lower the administrative2 complement, our business processes have3 to become a lot more efficient than they4 are today. Our new Chief Talent Officer5 heading HR was amazed to discover we6 don't have an applicant tracking system7 or that when you apply to the School8 District, you can't apply online. 11 But at the same time, it is --12 look, I've worked for the City, and we13 had taxing powers, and I've worked for14 the state, and we had taxing powers. We15 don't have any taxing powers. 19 Now, as I said, we have done20 enough multi-year planning to say that if21 we return to the level of annual funding22 from local sources that we have received,23 maintain the level of funding from state24 resources that we have received and get25 297 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 federal funding at the level that the2 Obama Administration has proposed to a3 Congress which presumably will not be4 hostile to their proposals and hold the5 line basically at the rate of just a6 little bit more of the rate of inflation7 in our current basic expenditures, which8 means being more efficient -- because9 some of those things, the costs are going10 to go up -- we will offset every penny of11 that with greater efficiencies. 15 We think that that's doable,16 but we don't control whether we will see17 an eight percent increase in state18 funding. 19 The state Board of Education made a very20 compelling case in the December 200721 costing-out study, but all we can do is22 say, If we are given these funds, here's23 how we will use them. We will use them24 prudently. 2 And we think our track record is very3 good. The state and the City increased4 funding for this School District from two5 percent to four percent annual average6 for the City and from four percent to7 eight percent for the state over the past8 six years, and over that period of time,9 the number of kids who are reading and10 doing math at grade in this District is11 more kids than are in any other school12 district in the entire state. 15 So money doesn't solve all16 problems, but money invested wisely by a17 dedicated staff with good leadership and18 the support of the community, all those19 things that the Superintendent has been20 saying all year since she got here, we21 believe in all of that. That's why we're22 all part of this team. 4
I just want13 to close the loop on this one point, if I14 may, and, that is, I think that's a very15 long way of saying -- and I appreciate16 everything you said -- that you don't17 have identified funding sources for the18 out years, which means you don't have a19 plan. You have aspirational goals at20 this point.21 So what I'd like you to provide22 to the Chair is where the funding would23 have to come from inside and outside the24 School District in order to actually25 300 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 achieve 2014 and what you project it will2 actually cost in each year. Because I3 bet you that's not in our Five-Year Plan4 in terms of the amount of funding we're5 providing to the School District.6 So please -- I want to compare7 your plan to our plan. So please provide8 that information to the Chair rather9 than continue to discuss it.10
The four percent11 level of local support is the level of12 support we've received out of local13 sources with the existing levels of local14 taxation. Now, if for any reason, for15 instance, the property tax base would not16 grow at four percent -- and this year and17 next year it's not -- then those numbers18 would not work unless the City was19 willing to entertain some other way of20 making up the difference.21
No. That's22 fine. Just provide it to the Chair where23 you're going to get the revenue for this24 and how much it's going to cost in each25 301 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 of the out years.2 Thank you.3
Thank4 you very much.5 Councilwoman Sanchez. Did she6 step out?7
Thank you,13 Madam Chair.14 I would like to request the15 Bill Green clock.16 Thank you, Dr. Ackerman. I17 want to applaud your staff, who have18 endurance beyond endurance to go through19 now almost four hours, five hours of20 hearings, and we're going to try to keep21 it short.22 I just need to get some idea23 and understanding about equitable24 distribution of qualified teachers and25 302 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 what -- if that is a problem, what are2 the potential action steps and solutions3 to solve that problem.4 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: Well,5 certainly the equity is an issue not only6 with teachers. Equity is an issue in7 terms of how we allocate all of our8 resources. For those of you who are not9 educators but have been around for a10 while, you know sort of the buzz word11 right now is equity -- buzz words are12 equity as it relates to teachers. But13 the research shows that the most14 important indicator or factor in15 improving student achievement is not16 necessarily the equity in how you17 allocate your teachers, but the quality18 of the instruction. So you can have a19 teacher who has been here for ten years,20 but the quality of the instruction is21 what we have decided to focus on, as well22 as -- while at the same time.23 So when people talk about24 the -- it was interesting to me to hear25 303 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 this issue brought in isolation. It is2 for sure a problem that we can't because3 of a seniority process necessarily get4 our most experienced teachers into our5 lowest-performing schools. That's an6 issue. But if we improve the quality of7 the instruction, we can make a8 difference, which is why we've decided to9 focus while we work on the negotiation10 side in terms of the equity issue, that11 we wanted to focus on was the quality of12 instruction by focus on helping all13 teachers look at rigor, looking at using14 data to inform their practice and looking15 at how to differentiate their16 instruction. Simply put, that's what we17 have to do across this board if we're18 going to accelerate achievement, while at19 the same time we do have to work on this20 issue of being able to get some of our21 more qualified -- I mean, experienced22 teachers.23 Experience doesn't necessarily,24 though, mean that you have quality25 304 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 instruction. There's more of a chance2 that you will, because when you start3 anything, any job, you fumble at the4 beginning, but I've seen some outstanding5 first- and second-year and third-year6 teachers and I've seen some teachers who7 have been teaching 10 and 11 and 12 years8 who need a lot of support.9 So I would ask us not to get10 caught up in sort of the -- this is the11 buzz word or this is the -- and let's12 look at why our children are performing,13 and there are myriad of reasons. That's14 one part. It's not the only. If I have15 to work on something right now, it's on16 improving the quality of instruction in17 every classroom. That's what's going to18 make a difference.19
Under the20 over-cliched concept that you just21 mentioned, is a part of that definition22 what the instructors are certified in and23 making a determination on what is a24 qualified teacher?25 305 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN:2 Right. Certainly having a teacher who3 knows his or her content, has been4 certified in that, is going to make a5 difference. And we know that we have a6 shortage of teachers who in certain7 content areas - math, science, special8 ed, English language learners - we know9 that we have shortages there, and those10 shortages tend to be identified more11 easily in the lowest-performing schools,12 because teachers who have seniority13 choose to go to the schools where there14 are not necessarily those kinds of15 challenges, because they can. They've16 been there, and that's part of what17 happens with tenure.18 Everything that I've heard in19 the testimony before us we are working20 on, either through the negotiations,21 which we cannot talk about, but we are22 aware of that. But there are other23 things that we can do and to, first of24 all, make sure we hire more qualified25 306 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 teachers. We are building our own. We2 are looking at career changers.3 (Bell rung.)4 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: We're5 doing all of those things all at once.6 But I want you to know and7 understand that the most important thing8 that can happen for a child in any9 classroom is the quality of instruction10 between that teacher and those students,11 and that's where we are putting our12 priority while we work on some of these13 other things.14 COUNCILMAN JONES:15 Dr. Ackerman, so I should know that this16 is on your radar?17 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: It's18 beyond on our radar. But while we're --19 I'm not one to say it's either/or. I20 have to do all of those things at once.21 And so we are trying to make sure that we22 get qualified teachers and qualified23 teachers who are certified in their area24 of expertise for these young people.25 307 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 We are working with the state2 to try to get reciprocity so that we can3 hire teachers from surrounding areas.4 Right now unless a teacher is certified5 in Pennsylvania, we cannot hire a teacher6 who may live right across the river in7 New Jersey, a teacher who could be8 experienced and we could pay them more9 money, without them having to go through10 the whole process of recertification.11 And as somebody who has moved around,12 believe me, that would be a deal-breaker13 for me if I've gone to school, gotten14 certification and had to start over15 again. But for those who want to come in16 the meantime, we're paying for those who17 want to be career changers or who want to18 go through that process again from19 another state while we're trying to work20 with the Pennsylvania Department of21 Education. We're paying for that.22 That's part of our incentive package for23 getting experienced teachers in.24 So it's a very complicated25 308 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 process with lots of moving parts, and I2 don't want anybody in this room or who is3 listening to us to think it's as simple4 as it's just, Why don't they put more5 qualified teachers in the underperforming6 schools.7
This year8 your answer will suffice, because you've9 shared with me it is on your radar. The10 young people right here that are products11 of the public school too are going to12 note that I asked you this question this13 year and note under that to ask it again14 next year.15 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: I'm a16 woman of my word.17
I18 understand.19 Thank you.20 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: With21 lots of success behind me.22
You're24 welcome.25 309 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 Councilwoman Brown.2
Yes. If3 we can shift our attention for a moment4 to charter schools. Share with us what5 criteria the District uses to decline6 charter school applications, please.7 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: I'm8 going to ask Ben Rayer to come up,9 because actually we're in the process now10 of renewing contracts, so this is a11 timely question.12 (Witness approached witness13 table.)14
Good afternoon,15 Councilwoman. My name is Ben Rayer. I16 oversee charter schools at the District.17 Is your question about new18 charter applications or renewals of19 charter schools?20
So as22 Superintendent Ackerman said, we are23 currently in the process of renewing ten24 charter schools this year, and under the25 310 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 state's charter school law, there are2 actually six criteria that we're allowed3 to evaluate the charter school on, but to4 genericize that or to describe that5 generically, it's financial, operational6 and academic performance of the school,7 and from those three things, we make an8 evaluation, present that information to9 the School Reform Commission and then10 make decisions about renewing or not11 renewing the charter for a term of five12 years.13 In the process of new14 applications, it's a little different15 process, where the District accepts16 applications from interested parties to17 run charter schools, and the District18 just makes determinations about whether19 or not they think it's a quality20 application. So it's a broader process.21 The one thing we have talked22 about is wanting to become better23 partners with charter schools and to24 develop relationships where we can work25 311 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 with high-performing charter schools to2 develop proposals to serve unique and3 innovative needs in the school system.4 So we opened six charter schools this5 year, and, for example, we have one that6 serves high school students who are7 primarily foster care students, who have8 a high history of dropout. So there's a9 unique program.10
We've also opened12 three charter schools that will help us13 with overcrowding in some regions of the14 City, and we've opened an early college15 access high school.16 So we've done things like that17 to develop a relationship where we're18 looking for innovation and entrepreneurs19 who have ideas that we may not execute on20 well or that we could use additional21 support in.22
I'm23 delighted to hear about what you call24 unique, innovative needs.25 312 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 Madam Superintendent, please2 tell me your philosophy with regards to3 single-sex schools.4 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: I5 actually --6
And let me7 just share with you why I raise that8 question. I do know that we have the9 Latin Boys Charter School and I also know10 that there did not exist a middle school11 charter school strictly for girls, and I12 don't know if one is online. I mean, in13 my next life, what would I do? Open up a14 middle school for girls, for all the15 reasons we understand, in addition to16 which DHS affirmed the fact that more and17 more girls are entering the juvenile18 justice system and more and more there's19 a severe gap in services for adolescent20 girls. And so that's why I asked the21 question.22 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: Well,23 personally and professionally, I agree24 with you, and I'm hopeful through the25 313 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 renaissance process that we can look at2 this as an opportunity to provide some3 more single-sex schools for some of our4 children, not only at the high school5 level but at the middle school level.6
Middle7 school level.8 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: Yes.9 So we're one on this.10
You are?11 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: One12 with you.13
So that14 moves to the next question around15 programs for teenage mothers. In your16 strategic plan, and 21 of your17 testimony, it states, "Early childhood18 centers in selected high schools will19 provide quality early care for children20 of high school students."21 How are those high schools22 selected? What type of criteria do you23 consider?24 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: We25 314 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 started this year with one of our new2 high schools, Lincoln, because it3 actually -- the new school has a facility4 already built into the new school, and5 we'll look at others that have the6 facilities while we look for money to7 begin, because you need certain8 renovations to happen.9 So we're going to -- I think10 there are two schools, Lincoln and --11 what's the other school? And Fels for12 next year.13
So that's14 a total of what?15 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN:16 That's two schools for next year that17 we're looking to begin this process.18 And then what we want to look19 at is the data, where is there a need for20 these high schools -- I mean there's21 service and support, and to make sure we22 strategically place those for the next23 five years in other high schools.24
Excuse me25 315 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 for switching back to your charter school2 captain there.3 How many are performing at AYP?4
We just did an8 analysis of that. There are 63 charter9 schools operating in the City today, two10 of which are closing, so there'll be 6111 at the end of the year. There are -- and12 we actually did the analysis of over13 multiple years. There are 17 charter14 schools that have met AYP four or five of15 the past five years, and there are eight16 charter schools that have not met AYP in17 any or one of the past five years. And18 if you'd like to get the specifics, I can19 send you the data on all schools in the20 District in charter schools.21
My office22 gets a lot of questions about charter23 schools in terms of what's best suited24 for my child, what are the better charter25 316 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 schools, and that information becomes2 instructive but also factual as we try to3 help parents make the best decisions for4 their kids.5 (Bell rung.)6
We'll be happy to7 provide that to you. And you can always8 direct people to us if they're looking9 for help on how to make decisions about10 that.11
Thank15 you, Councilwoman.16 Councilwoman Sanchez.17
Thank18 you, Madam Chair. 19 I wanted to echo Councilman20 Green's point. I think one of the21 reasons why there is so many questions in22 addition to the fact that we only have23 one day is the fact that we haven't had24 an opportunity to have a public25 317 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 discussion in the last year. So one of2 the things that I'm going to ask, Madam3 Chair, is, I'm going to send my list of4 questions in writing, because I do want5 to add them for the record. But as the6 Chair of Education, as you know, we have7 quite a bit of themes and resolutions8 pending for discussion, so I want to put9 some of these questions on the record,10 but also want to encourage us next year11 to have more constant dialogue in a12 public forum so that we don't need to do13 this just during the budget session. And14 some of the items that are important to15 me is the whole -- and, again, I just16 wanted to preface that by saying I did17 meet with Dr. Ackerman and I do look18 forward to working with the19 Administration. 25 318 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 And some of those questions2 rely around our English language learners3 and the fact that Dr. 8 I'm particularly concerned9 around what the process for the10 renaissance schools would be. 15 The Welcome Centers as it16 relates to immigrant families. I have17 one of the most diverse districts in the18 City and one where I -- probably one of19 the few districts that continues to grow20 in population. 23 Charter schools is also an24 issue that's very important. I know we25 319 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 have a pending hearing on charter2 schools. And I want to publicly thank3 the SRC and the Administration for not4 only approving the current ones that are5 in the pipeline, one which will be6 located in Frankford, but doing it in a7 two-year process. I think that helps8 people. As a charter school founder, I9 can tell you that having the ability to10 plan -- we didn't have the ability to11 plan. 7 I'm interested in an8 articulated plan for libraries. 19 I know Councilwoman Blondell20 has a resolution pending on special21 needs. I know that the School District22 has done quite a bit of work on the23 counseling component, and it's24 unfortunate that we don't have enough25 321 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 time to get into that, but I'm very2 encouraged about what I'm hearing around3 the counseling supports, and really just4 want to add that the issue of public5 engagement and increased transparency is6 one that this Administration continues to7 tout and I want to continue to encourage8 the SRC and others that -- as Helen9 mentioned, these passionate stakeholders10 and education activists really are the11 ones that help us get Harrisburg and the12 federal government to respond to our13 funding needs. )18
So I'll19 send all of these in writing, but I20 wanted to get them on the record and21 encourage us to have more public dialogue22 before the budget so that we don't23 bombard you with all these questions.24 But I do want to thank you.25 322 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 And, again, Imagine 2014 gives us a2 vision, and all of us, both in Council3 and in the community, really want to see4 that happen, and the only way we can do5 that is by continuing to dialogue in a6 public forum with all of our7 stakeholders.8 So with that, Madam Chair, I9 will not ask questions, but I just wanted10 to put that on the record.11
Thank12 you very much.13 Councilwoman Brown, do you have14 additional questions?15
I do, but16 let me underscore interest raised by17 Councilwoman Sanchez, that I too have a18 number of resolutions I've introduced and19 when we're in a hearing format, it really20 allows us to flush out in a very21 detailed, thorough way our concerns22 around that particular issue in a23 laser-beam fashion. So I too will look24 forward to an opportunity to hash out25 323 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 those issues that those resolutions2 address in a hearing format.3 Let's move now to arts and4 music. In your Imagine 2014 five-year5 strategic plan, it states that, and I6 quote, "make art and music classes7 available in all elementary schools."8 Nine years ago when I came9 here, it was abysmal in terms of young10 people's access to art and music. And I11 know that PCCY has been a leading voice12 to the extent that they actually13 organized a separate 501(c)(3) to deal14 with that particular issue.15 So give us an update on where16 you are with regards to filling vacancies17 in the School District in that subject18 area.19 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN:20 Actually -- and we want to thank you for21 your work in this area in particular,22 because people tend to separate the arts23 from the core curriculum, and I see it as24 all of it is a part of the core25 324 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 curriculum. So I thank you, and I can2 see that there's been movement here. As3 I go into the schools and I talk with the4 teachers, they are enjoying the fact5 that -- and the students, that they have6 art and music. We didn't have enough7 teachers, so we're aggressively trying to8 make sure we have enough art and music9 teachers for every school to have one or10 the other.11 But we also understand that12 while that's progress from nine years13 ago, that we want to expose our young14 people to an array of the comprehensive15 arts, and there's many more than music16 and art.17
Sure.18 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: And19 so what you will see in our new summer20 school program -- and I know that Helen21 Gym asked about what will the students22 see, what will parents see. This summer23 they will see a summer school program24 that includes not 20,000 but 45,00025 325 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 students engaged in the morning in2 academic remediation and/or acceleration3 instructional activities, but in the4 afternoon have access to an array of5 comprehensive arts activities. For the6 first time, a child can go all day, in7 the morning academics, in the afternoon8 everything from hip hop to chess to art9 to you name it, dance. They're going to10 be able to have that available to them.11 So we're really pleased12 because -- and then you see in our plan13 we talk about the talent centers, because14 even when we have art and music teachers,15 what most students get, it's limited to16 in the elementary schools one hour a17 week. And so our talent centers, which18 we want to be open in the evening and on19 Saturdays, will allow young people to20 take their passion, their artistic21 passion, and to engage in those creative22 activities after school and on Saturdays.23 Because we know that young people who24 succeed academically, that one of the25 326 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 reasons they're able to succeed2 academically is because their families or3 parents have the economic wherewithal to4 expose them to a variety of enrichment5 activities. Then they build on it. It6 serves as building blocks.7 COUNCILWOMAN BROWN:8 Absolutely.9 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: So10 for the first time this year, this11 summer, we will be able to offer our12 children summer enrichment activities13 that include the arts.14 Our teachers, we're hiring 50015 art teachers for this summer, as well as16 community-based artists and residents,17 writers and residents will be coming in.18 So I'm really pleased about the work that19 you've done in the past, and we're just20 building on that, saying that we're not21 going to stop at just art and music22 teachers during the academic year, but23 we're going to carry it into the summer24 and on Saturdays and evenings.25 327 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171
Absolutely5 huge.6 To that end, you mention7 there's a need for more teachers. We8 have the Moore College of Art, Happy9 Fernandez, former member of City Council,10 the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts,11 University of the Arts. So I'm sure you12 and your team have thought about building13 but strengthening existing relationships14 with those institutions in the business15 of training creative people and to access16 them, because they've become a terrific17 resource in meeting that need.18 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN:19 Right. And we have thought about that,20 even for the summer, very clearly. We're21 going to go through the Pennsylvania Arts22 and Education Partnership. They will23 find all of these artists that we'll24 need, and I know Dennis Creedon is25 328 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 working on this.2 We're also working with a3 couple of community-based organizations4 to help feed local artists into the5 Pennsylvania -- where is Dennis? Come on6 up and talk about it.7 I know about it because I love8 it, but he knows about it because he does9 his work every day.10 (Witness approached witness11 table.)12
We're building13 relationships with many of the14 universities that are the providers of15 our future art and music teachers, and16 for the summer we're looking to hire17 students who have gone through their18 student teaching to actually give them an19 exposure in the District this summer so20 they can actually then be more prepared21 for September by working with our22 students this summer.23 But we're looking also to24 collaborate with a diversity of cultural25 329 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 institutions and community-based arts2 organizations so that we have a true3 diversity of opportunities across the4 board for our children.5
Terrific.6 Congratulations.7 My bell hasn't rung yet, has8 it, Madam Chair?9 Title I, I asked about Title I10 last fall, and your office was extremely11 responsive and sent me a huge manual like12 that. I'm still waiting to get through13 it. And I thank Joe Meade for that, your14 new asset.15 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: You16 can't have him back.17
He's our18 loss, your gain.19 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: Yes.20
The21 stories I've gotten on Title I are, the22 School District has not maximized the23 availability of those dollars for24 non-profits that want to provide Title25 330 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 I-related services. So the question2 becomes, of the Title I allocation, how3 much money was left, not spent, from last4 year? Can you answer that for us?5 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: I6 can, but I want to make sure that my7 number is correct. I know the ball park.8 I'll let the expert.9 How much was it?10 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: About 1511 million rolled over.12
It rolls over. But13 I want to be clear. We --14 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: Did15 you hear the answer?16
Yeah, 15 million19 rolled over. But I want to quickly add,20 it has been our practice in the School21 District, the one that we've inherited,22 is to basically over-budget Title I; that23 is, to budget more Title I than we're24 going to receive in current funds so that25 331 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 if any Title I category we under-spend,2 we basically roll forward the amount of3 unspent money which is equal to what we4 rolled forward the year before. So we5 don't have an accumulating unspent6 balance.7 There could be a year in which8 that balance would be eliminated, but if9 that were to happen, since we're10 budgeting more than we're getting in new11 money, we would then actually have to cut12 back on Title I-funded programs in the13 next year. So that's why we haven't14 disturbed that.15 Now, over that same period of16 time, basic Title I has increased. We17 got a substantial increase in Title I18 funding this year, and that's what we use19 to fund the empowerment program. And20 now -- and that was about 30 million.21 And now next year through the stimulus22 Title I, we're anticipating about 8123 million.24 Some of those monies have to be25 332 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 set aside under federal mandate. For2 instance, of the Title I monies we3 receive, we have to give a proportionate4 share over to non-public schools. Eleven5 percent of our Title I money goes to6 non-public.7
Charter schools are13 actually LEAs. That is, they're14 freestanding -- legally recognized15 freestanding schools and they receive16 their own federal funding directly.17 We also are mandated to set18 aside money for enhancing teacher quality19 and for school improvement in certain20 designated areas, like tutoring and21 teacher training.22
And that's23 the area I'm concerned about, the24 tutoring. If you could simply elaborate25 333 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 on -- is there some type of2 accountability, look-see system that3 examines the baseline of a student's4 academic performance and then reexamines5 that student at the back end to ensure6 that there's been some movement of the7 needle in their academic improvement?8 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN:9 That's an area that certainly we need to10 work on, because I'm not sure that all11 parents know and understand that these12 funds are available for the extra13 support.14
Madam15 Superintendent, I would agree with that16 2,000 percent. They don't know, so they17 don't access. Therefore, their children18 don't perform. The dollars go unspent.19 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN:20 Right.21
That's the22 angst here.23 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: And24 we plan to take care of that by making25 334 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 sure that parents are notified before the2 school year starts, the first couple of3 weeks of school, that those resources are4 available for their children if they're5 in a Title I school that didn't meet AYP.6
So is that7 function handled centrally from 400 North8 Broad or is that the duty and9 responsibility of the principals to do10 the adequate outreach to make sure the11 word gets delivered?12 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: It13 should be both. It should be both.14
All right.15 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: And16 we'll make sure it's both this next year,17 because your question was mine a few18 months ago. It was my question a few19 months ago.20
Thank23 you, Councilwoman.24 We would like to have one25 335 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171 additional question. The Superintendent2 and CEO does have an appointment. We see3 a judge waiting for her. So we'll4 allow --5 SUPERINTENDENT ACKERMAN: To be6 sworn in, folks. I've been here almost a7 year and I haven't been sworn in yet.8
So if9 my colleagues will allow one question10 only, uno, one, one question only and11 then we can -- we regret that we could12 not have two days of hearings. Certainly13 it wasn't our concern. It was scheduled14 that way because of all the budget15 deliberations. So to everyone here, we16 regret that we had to push so much into17 one day instead of having two full days18 and with public testimony being separate19 from that, but it just didn't work out20 that way.21 So at least you know it's done.22 But, Councilman Green, one23 short, concise question and,24 Councilwoman --25 336 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171
Madam Chair,2 the condition was one question. It's in3 27 equal parts.4
We do5 have the judge here that we can bring6 forward.7
No.8 Actually, with that said, Madam Chair, I9 have some questions from the Parents10 United for Public Education which I will11 submit to the stenographer for the12 record, my own additional questions which13 I will submit to the stenographer for the14 record, as I am anxious to have15 Dr. Ackerman sworn in before we keep16 asking questions and change her mind.17
That's18 right. We agree. We can't let her go19 now.20
Thank23 you.24 Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.25 337 5/11/09 - WHOLE - BILLS 090216, 2171
Thank4 you very much.5 Having said that, we thank you6 all.7 This Committee of the Whole,8 these School District hearings will9 recess until 2:30 tomorrow. That's 2:3010 on 5/13.11 Thank you all.12 Thank you, Your Honor, for13 coming out.14 (Councilman Green's list of15 questions attached to transcript.)16 (Committee of the Whole17 recessed at 4:05 p.m.)18 - - -19 20 21 22 23 24 25 338 1 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by us upon the6 foregoing matter on May 12, 2009, and that7 this is a true and correct transcript of same.8 9 10 ------------------------------11 JOSEPHINE CARDILLO12 RPR-Notary Public13 14 15 ______________________________16 MICHELE L. MURPHY17 RPR-Notary Public18 19 20 (The foregoing certification of this21 transcript does not apply to any reproduction22 of the same by any means, unless under the23 direct control and/or supervision of the24 certifying reporter.)25