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 |
Green asks judge to stop Wolf from naming new SRC chair
October 7, 2016 |
Wolf and Kenney to chart future of SRC
June 2, 2016 |
Lawsuit Pits Gov. Wolf Against The Integrity Of An Independent Commission
April 23, 2016 |
Letters: Green as SRC chair won’t help students
April 22, 2016 |
Lawsuit: Reinstate Green as School Reform Commission chair
April 22, 2016 |
The SRC’s Bill Green has a strong case against Gov. Wolf
April 21, 2016 |
Bill Green sues over SRC chair position
April 20, 2016 |
Green sues to regain SRC chairmanship
April 19, 2016 |
SRC Member Bill Green Says He’s Suing Gov. Wolf In Attempt To Win Back His Position
April 19, 2016 |
Commentary: Wolf was wrong on SRC firing
April 19, 2016 |
Green files suit to get SRC chairmanship back
April 19, 2016 |
Bill Green: I’m Taking Tom Wolf to Court Over SRC Ouster
April 19, 2016 |
To get his job back, Bill Green says he will sue Gov. Wolf
April 19, 2016 |
Press Releases
Bill Green Sues Wolf Over Illegal Firing from SRC Chair
April 19, 2016
Court Rules Governor Can Fire SRC Chair Without Cause
December 4, 2017
Court Documents
Brief in Support of Answer to New Matter
October 7, 2016
Motion for Preliminary Injunction
October 7, 2016
Amended Petition for Review
October 11, 2016
Petitioner’s Amended Application for Summary Relief
October 11, 2016
Brief in Opposition to Wolf’s Preliminary Objections
October 11, 2016
Preliminary Objections
October 11, 2016
Wolf’s Brief in Opposition to New Matter
October 11, 2016
Opinion & Order
December 4, 2017