At SRC meeting, praise for Ackerman, scorn for Inquirer
Amid a standing-room-only crowd Wednesday, School Reform Commission Chairman Robert L. Archie Jr. and a parade of witnesses, including business owners, educators, and legislators, praised School Superintendent Arlene C. Ackerman's commitment to minority business and assailed The Inquirer's coverage of her decision to award a no-bid emergency $7.5 million contract for school safety.
"I do not believe that she steered work to any particular vendor as The Inquirer reported from unidentified sources," Archie said.
Archie also criticized The Inquirer for failing to provide the historical background of the school district's antidiscrimination policy, adopted in March 2003. And, he said, The Inquirer failed to report that the school district has set a goal that 20 percent of its contracts be awarded to firms owned by minorities and women for professional services, procurement, and design and construction work.
"There is still work to be done," Archie declared, "and I'd like to commend Dr. Ackerman for taking on this additional task . . . for implementing the SRC's
Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/education/20101209_At_SRC_meeting__praise_for_Ackerman__scorn_for_Inquirer.html#ixzz17iJ2pDZ4
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