Some at the meeting said Ackerman's fate was in part the result of racial tensions.
Ackerman was "lynched" by politicians and the SRC "carried the rope," said Leon Williams, a lawyer and activist.
Her crime, Williams said, "was, she did not kiss the rumps of the politicians. And that she gave too large a contract to a black vendor," referring to a controversial $7.5 million contract for surveillance cameras.
Many of the more than 100 people in attendance at Wednesday's meeting booed when the commission members entered the auditorium, setting the tone for a wild and often uncomfortable meeting.
One speaker led a spontaneous version of the song "The Greatest Love of All." Another suggested that Tuesday's earthquake happened because the SRC had bought out Ackerman.
"Shame, shame, shame," some cried. "All of them must go!" people shouted when the vote to approve Ackerman's deal was over.
When one speaker said the next superintendent should not earn as much as Ackerman, whose base salary was $348,140, the audience erupted in shouts and catcalls.
In brief opening remarks, SRC Chairman Robert L. Archie Jr. acknowledged recent "changes and challenges."
"Our main focus is the children," Archie said, "and going forward, we hope to pull the other distractions aside and focus on what is best for them and their future."
Ackerman, who has described herself as an educator done in by politics, did not attend the meeting, but many of her supporters were there.
State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas (D., Phila.) pointed out that earlier this year, the SRC extended Ackerman's contract through 2014, seemingly endorsing her performance.
