The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Estelle G. Matthews, the Philadelphia School District’s chief talent development officer, stepped down Wednesday over allegations of hiring her unqualified son and awarding pay raises during the district’s financial cuts.
Matthews – a close friend of former Superintendent Arlene Ackerman – was escorted out of school administration headquarters Wednesday evening.
Matthews departure follows questioning from the Inquirer about individual pay raises from $4,500 to $25,000 and an internal investigation of the school district citing pay increases totaling more than $80,000 to Matthews’ friends.
The internal investigation also notes allegations that Matthews’ son was hired and held jobs despite a lack of qualifications.
The Inquirer is continuing to gather information regarding the investigation.
