Green v. Wolf

CASE SUMMARY

The Fairness Center represented School Reform Commission (“SRC”) member and former Democratic City Councilman Bill Green in his fight to be reinstated as rightful Chairman of the SRC. Governor Wolf illegally removed Mr. Green as Chairman of the SRC after Mr. Green’s reforms drew the ire of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (“PFT”).

Governor Wolf’s spokesperson stated that Mr. Green was removed as Chairman because the Governor was disappointed by Mr. Green’s support for more privately-run and publicly-financed charter schools after Governor Wolf had emphasized he opposed the “charterization” of the District. The Governor replaced Mr. Green as Chairman with fellow SRC member Marjorie Neff, “because she supports his [Wolf’s] vision for the School District of Philadelphia.” Marjorie Neff did not vote to approve any new charters in the February 18, 2015 meeting.

Governor Wolf’s removal of Mr. Green was contrary to law, which allows removal only “upon proof by clear and convincing evidence of malfeasance or misfeasance in office,” and only “with a written statement of the reasons for removal and an opportunity for a hearing.” Mr. Green was removed without either.

The General Assembly intended that the SRC, a five-member commission filled by the Governor and Mayor of Philadelphia together, operate both locally and independently. Ultimately, this case is about the SRC’s ability to govern Philadelphia’s schools independently, insulated from political influence and gubernatorial interference.

William J. Green, IV v. Thomas W. Wolf and School Reform Commission of the School District of Philadelphia

In December 2017, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania sustained the respondents’ preliminary objections and dismissed the petitioner’s application for summary relief and amended petition for review.

Wolf asks Richman to be next SRC member
October 15, 2016 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Green asks judge to stop Wolf from naming new SRC chair
October 7, 2016 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Wolf and Kenney to chart future of SRC
June 2, 2016 | The Notebook

Lawsuit Pits Gov. Wolf Against The Integrity Of An Independent Commission
April 23, 2016 | The Daily Caller

Letters: Green as SRC chair won’t help students
April 22, 2016 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Lawsuit: Reinstate Green as School Reform Commission chair
April 22, 2016 | The Philadelphia Tribune

The SRC’s Bill Green has a strong case against Gov. Wolf
April 21, 2016 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Bill Green sues over SRC chair position
April 20, 2016 | Philadelphia Business Journal

Green sues to regain SRC chairmanship
April 19, 2016 | The Notebook

SRC Member Bill Green Says He’s Suing Gov. Wolf In Attempt To Win Back His Position
April 19, 2016 | CBS Philly

Commentary: Wolf was wrong on SRC firing
April 19, 2016 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Green files suit to get SRC chairmanship back
April 19, 2016 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Bill Green: I’m Taking Tom Wolf to Court Over SRC Ouster
April 19, 2016 | Philadelphia Magazine

To get his job back, Bill Green says he will sue Gov. Wolf
April 19, 2016 | Al Dia