In her letter to the superintendant, Brown stated, "It has become apparent that I have been made the focus of a controversy that continues to impede the education process to the detriment of the students."
In December 2009, South Philadelphia High School was the scene of an attack on about 30 Asian students by fellow students. This prompted a boycott of the school by dozens of Asian students who said the assaults were racially motivated.
Dr. Ackerman has announced Otis D. Hackney, III, who currently serves as principal at Springfield Township High School, as the new principal of South Philadelphia High.
"We have spent the past several months making positive changes at South Philly High. These changes have brought about an improved climate for all students at the school. Violent incidents have decreased and more students are involved in after school activities," said Ackerman. "I initially interviewed Mr. Hackney as a candidate for one of the Promise Academies. The interviewing committee and I were so impressed by him that it determined he was the right person to manage and lead South Philadelphia High next school year."
Otis D. Hackney, III, is a resident of Philadelphia and has worked as a teacher and a principal in various schools throughout the District.
"I look forward to taking on this new assignment. Having served in South Philadelphia High School as a summer school Assistant Principal, I am looking forward to returning to work with a community that I care about and respect. I'm confident we can move Southern forward," Hackney said.
Principal Hackney will finish the school year at his current school and will join the District during the summer.
South Philadelphia High faculty and staff were told of the news today.