Ackerman says she wants to remain despite growing opposition asking for her ouster.
"I have to have the support of the people who hired me," Ackerman said.
Sources tell Action News, School Reform Commission (SRC) Chairman Robert Archie and Mayor Michael Nutter are among those not in favor of Ackerman's leadership.
They are trying to fashion a buyout to get her to leave before her contract is up in 2014.
On paper, Ackerman is due $1.5-million.
At today's SRC meeting, some of Ackerman's more vocal supporters opened fire on her critics.
"Dr. Ackerman, gird up your loins. That's what the scripture says. They say when they come upon you to eat up your flesh, the Lord will make them stumble and fall," Pastor Pamela Williams of West Philadelphia said at the meeting.
Ackerman says it's all about the students.
"I'm really not sorry that I'm not a politician, I'm an educator. I came here to fight for these children, all of these children, and I'm not going to back down," Ackerman said.
The SRC issued a one sentence statement late today saying the commission remains committed to working with Ackerman as stated under her employment agreement.
