Vallas in with roar, out with rancor

School Reform Commissioner Martin Bednarek said Vallas' "biggest downfall" had been trying to please everyone.

"He has a hard time saying no to people. He promised people a lot of things."

Vallas acknowledged: "I promise more than I can deliver, absolutely. . . . If I promise 10 things and deliver six or seven, I'm still ahead of the guy who promises two things and delivers one."

Last week, he visited Dobbins Vocational-Technical High School, which was supposed to be completely repainted inside. Three of six floors had been. A distressed Vallas called maintenance and ordered that the job be finished.

Principal Charles Whiting had only praise for Vallas.

"It's the first time in 20 years that Dobbins had something done in the hallways," he said. "That, in itself, speaks for Paul Vallas."

The Paul Vallas Years: 2002-07

Successes

• Test scores improved districtwide.
• Academics were enhanced with a new curriculum, double periods for math and reading in critical grades, higher standards, and more advanced-placement courses and teacher training.
• Class sizes were initially reduced, textbooks were bought, and after-school offerings were expanded.
• Struggling students were required to attend after-school programs.
• Mandatory summer school for failing students was introduced, and enrichment programs for others were offered.
• Funding from the city and state rose steadily.
• A four-year teachers' pact in 2004 gave the district more flexibility in teacher assignments.
• More funding and extra academic help were given for three years to 21 struggling schools, including M. Hall Stanton Elementary, which won national honors for improved test scores.
• With Vallas' support, Edison Inc., a for-profit company, was blocked from becoming the lead consultant to the district in 2002.
• Large high school and middle schools were divided, and K-8 school was introduced instead.
• A $1.5 billion capital plan to build and renovate schools was executed. Despite delays, eight of the nine high schools Vallas promised have been constructed or are being built.
• Support and optimism about public education in Philadelphia was generated.

Failures

• A "surprise" budget deficit of $73.3 million triggered the loss of public and political support. Program cutbacks and layoffs are planned.
• Political disputes eroded support from Mayor Street, City Controller Alan Butkovitz, and the School Reform Commission.

Left undone

• Funding still falls short of district's needs.
• Keeping classes smaller is a challenge.
• The high school dropout rate remains high. Half the district's ninth graders do not graduate from high school on time.
• Efforts to reduce school violence continue. While violent incidents dropped significantly in 2005-06, they are up slightly this school year, and assaults on teachers persist.
• The School Reform Commission's academic targets for next June include having 80 percent of all students between grades three and 11 scoring at advanced or proficient on state tests.

- Martha Woodall

To see a video of Paul Vallas' last day, go to http://go.philly.com/vallaslastday

Inquirer staff writer Martha Woodall contributed to this article.