$900,000 Buyout in Philly 

Arlene Ackerman is out as Philadelphia’s school chief, but she walked away with a buyout worth more than $900,000. Test scores increased under Ackerman, but there was often conflict between her and the teachers’ union and elected officials.

NEA’s New Leader 

On Sept. 1, the former deputy executive director of the National Education Association’s, John Stocks, became executive director. Stocks has been with NEA since 2004 and will oversee the organization’s $330 million annual budget and 535 staff members.

Donating Salary

Fresno (Calif.) Unified School District Superintendent Larry Powell is giving three years’ worth of compensation—$800,000—back to the district. Powell said he wants his projects to remain in place in the cash-strapped district after he retires in 2015.

Michigan ’s Saving Grace

John Covington shocked many when he left Kansas City (Mo.) Public Schools after just two years to become the chancellor of Michigan’s Education Achievement System, which is a pilot project in Detroit to transform lowperforming schools. Joining Rhee ’s Cause Tim Melton, a Democratic state representative in Michigan in his third and final term, is leaving to join Students-First, an education reform group started by Michelle Rhee. Melton served as the Michigan House Education Committee chair.

Joining Rhee’s Cause

Tim Melton, a Democratic state representative in Michigan in his third and final term, is leaving to join StudentsFirst, an education reform group started by Michelle Rhee. Melton served as the Michigan House Education Committee chair.