ACKERMAN+LETTER+060908

From: Arlene C. Ackerman - Superintendent of Schools __mailto:superintendent@phila.k12.pa.us__] Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 11:01 AM To: everyone@phila.k12.pa.us Subject: Message from the Superintendent of Schools Importance: High June 9, 2008

Dear Colleagues,

I am happy to report that my first week in Philadelphia has been an amazing experience. Your warm welcome and energy helped to make my transition into the School District of Philadelphia very smooth. During my first days here, I have had the opportunity to visit several schools and it truly has been an eye opening experience. Last week I shared in a communication to you my first core belief, "Children come first."

This week I observed youth who are ready to thrive academically provided that the proper environment and instructional programs are in place. With that said, we as adults have a lot of work to do to accomplish this difficult but achievable task to guarantee the success of our children. A few weeks ago I announced my senior team. I am now ready to share the first of several staff changes that support my vision and priority to refocus all district level work on supporting schools better.

Effective immediately,Shawn Crowder will transition to the Chief of Staff for the Superintendent. Her new location is on the third floor in Suite 301.

Claudia Averette will transition to the Deputy of Public Engagement reporting to the Chief of Schools. In this new position, Claudia will have a dual role with an internal and external focus to engage all community stakeholders while helping our central office staff embrace a customer friendly environment. Her new location is on the first floor in Suite 102.

Andy Rosen will serve as the Interim Senior Vice President of Human Resources while the district searches for a permanent replacement. His location will remain in Suite 202.

Pat Ashe is retiring and Sandy Detrich will transition to the Superintendent's Office and serve as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. She can be reached at  215-400-5957.

Over the next several weeks I will continue to re-align and build an infrastructure designed to build a cohesive and collaborative central office team focused on children. I look forward to working with you to build a world class system so that our children get the opportunities they so deserve.

Respectfully, Arlene C. Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools