This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
Asked to expand on remarks that appeared in a Sunday letter to the editor, SRC Chair Robert L. Archie told reporters Wednesday that Superintendent Arlene Ackerman won’t be eligible for another performance bonus from the District until after June of 2011, at the end of her third year with the District.
Ackerman started with the District in June 2008 and her contract calls for her to be evaluated at the completion of each year of service. Archie acknowledged that Ackerman’s first performance evaluation took place late, well into her second full year at the District.
"The commission met and decided after speaking with her that she would waive the first year of her bonus," he said. The SRC did award her the maximum allowable bonus, $65,000, or 20 percent of salary, which she received in April 2010.
That bonus came through two months before the completion of her second year. But Archie’s statement was a public clarification that Ackerman will not be able to collect an additional performance award now that her second year of service is complete.
In addition to the bonus, in May she received a contractually mandated 4 percent raise, boosting her annual salary to $338,000, retroactive to July 2009.
According to the superintendent’s contract, she is eligible for another 3 percent raise on September 1 when teachers get a pay increase, as well as a $100,000 retention bonus if she stays in her post till next June 30.
Archie clarified that two of the five commissioners, Joseph Dworetzky and David Girard-DiCarlo, were so new to the commission that they did not participate in the superintendent’s performance evaluation.
Archie added that the SRC will spell out at a public meeting, probably in September, what are the criteria on which the superintendent will be evaluated in her third year.
While Ackerman’s compensation has sparked controversy, defenders of the superintendent have argued that her package is similar to that of her predecessor, Paul Vallas.