Ackerman, who also recited the Maya Angelou poem Still I Rise, said she had struggled with "challenge" and "lots of controversy" in recent weeks, but recently arrived at an epiphany.
"Once I understood that being guilty of standing up for children was a good thing, I stood just a little taller, held my head a little higher, and I felt liberated, liberated knowing that whatever happens to me, I have touched the future of thousands of young people in Philadelphia, and for the better," Ackerman said in a strong, clear voice that she maintained for her speech of about 10 minutes.
That revelation made her do a "happy dance," she said, and then she led one - swaying, clapping, encouraging her audience to sing along with her to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody."
The audience gave Ackerman a standing ovation. She wiped away tears.
It has been widely rumored that Ackerman is on her way out as superintendent. The Inquirer reported Thursday that high-ranking business leaders had received calls asking them to donate to a charitable education organization that would contribute money to help buy out Ackerman's contract.
She has denied that she is in buyout talks "right now."
Speaking to reporters after the principals' meeting, Ackerman said she did not know whether School Reform Commission Chairman Robert L. Archie Jr. still supported her.
"I'm superintendent today, and I hope to be superintendent tomorrow. We'll just have to see what happens," she said. "This is something that's not just my decision."
The district's 155,000 students are set to report to schools Sept. 6, and it's important that the focus is there, Ackerman said.
