[August 26, 2011] BRIEF: Excused absence? Tweet Aug 26, 2011 (Philadelphia Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that Nunery was appointed by Mayor Nutter. The School Reform Commission appointed him. JUST FIVE DAYS into his tenure as Philadelphia's schools chief, Acting Superintendent Leroy Nunery is taking a break. District spokesman Fernando Gallard confirmed that Nunery, 55, left town with his wife, Gina, last night for vacation and will return next Thursday. Nunery, who was appointed Monday by the School Reform Commission after the dramatic departure of his predecessor, Arlene Ackerman, will be keeping watch while away, Gallard said. "He will be in constant communication and will be monitoring the district's school-opening plan," Gallard said. Nunery's vacation destination was not disclosed, but Gallard said that the trip was planned prior to his appointment. News of the vacation did not sit well with at least one observer. "Our superintendent won't be here until [five] days before schools open," said community activist Pamela Williams. "Who's going to run the school district while he's gone? The [School Reform Commission]?" ___ (c)2011 the Philadelphia Daily News Visit the Philadelphia Daily News at www.philly.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]