Jamilah Fraser, the district's chief communications officer, confirmed the $1.5 million estimate but stressed that Ackerman had no plans to leave the district and its 154,482 students.
"Unless the powers that be decide that her services are no longer needed at the district, she intends, and wants, to remain in the position, fighting to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education," Fraser said in a statement.
When former schools chief Paul Vallas left in June 2007, he collected $180,000 in unused vacation and sick time, deferred salary, and retention pay.
Late last month, Ackerman dismissed rumors that she was leaving. At that time, she acknowledged signing documents delegating authority to sign district documents to Deputy Superintendent Leroy Nunery during July and August. But she said it was routine paperwork, recommended by attorneys for while she is on vacation.
State Rep. Michael McGeehan, one of Ackerman's most vocal critics, Friday called on Mayor Nutter and Gov. Corbett to oppose a buyout. Giving her money to leave, he said, would not only amount to handing her a golden parachute but a "pure platinum one."
He said the superintendent has so "woefully mismanaged" the district that she should be fired for cause.
McGeehan cited several issues in Ackerman's three-year tenure, including questionable procurement practices, a federal report criticizing the district's handling of racial violence at South Philadelphia High School, a $629 million budget shortfall, and an expanding probe into possible cheating on state PSSA tests.
McGeehan, a Democrat from the Northeast, said members of his staff met with Corbett's aides Friday and hand-delivered his letter.
