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New chief operating officer for School District

Fran Burns will become the chief operating officer of the Philadelphia School District after stepping down as executive director of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority next month.

Fran Burns will become the chief operating officer of the Philadelphia School District.. (File Photo / Staff)
Fran Burns will become the chief operating officer of the Philadelphia School District.. (File Photo / Staff)Read more

Fran Burns will become the chief operating officer of the Philadelphia School District after stepping down as executive director of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority next month.

"While we are disappointed to lose Fran's knowledge of city government, experience, professionalism, and energy, we wish her every success in her new role," said Sam Katz, PICA's board chair, who announced her departure Wednesday.

"Fran indicated that her background in municipal government operations made the opportunity to move to the School District too enticing to pass up," Katz said. "The district is acquiring the services of a very skilled and dedicated public servant to take on many important operational and management challenges at a very critical time."

PICA is the state board that oversees city finances. The School District is facing a $304 million shortfall in the fiscal year starting July 1.

District spokesman Fernando Gallard said the post of chief operating officer had been vacant since Michael Masch left the district last May.

The position had been posted and advertised, and candidates had been interviewed, Gallard said. Burns was selected on the basis of her skills, he said.

Gallard said Burns' salary will be $175,000.

She will report to Paul Kihn, deputy superintendent, who also has been serving as acting COO.

The district and Burns are negotiating her start date. She could not be reached for comment.

Katz said the PICA board would discuss searching for a new executive director at its June 18 meeting.