Ex-schools chief denied jobless benefits

Pennsylvania has denied an unemployment claim by Arlene Ackerman, who received close to $1 million in a contract buyout as head of Philadelphia's school system. Ackerman told The Philadelphia Inquirer late Wednesday she had decided not to appeal the decision. "Though encouraged to do so, I decided not to appeal the decision," Ackerman said via e-mail. "I am moving on and Philadelphia is a closed chapter in my life. I pray for the children of Philadelphia ... that is all that I can do now." Ackerman received a $905,000 buyout and $83,000 for unused vacation time. She would have received $573 a week in unemployment benefits. While the Philadelphia School Reform Commission authorized an application for unemployment benefits, a number of officials said they were horrified Ackerman applied. The school district's financial shortfall has only grown since her departure. Ackerman lives in Albuquerque and has started an educational consulting company.