New York City Appoints Melissa Aviles-Ramos as Next Schools Chancellor
Mayor Eric Adams announced Melissa Aviles-Ramos as the next NYC schools chancellor during a Wednesday press conference in the Bronx.
Background
The appointment comes a day after Schools Chancellor David Banks announced his retirement, effective on December 31, amid an FBI probe into several high-ranking city officials within the Adams administration. Aviles-Ramos will assume the chancellor’s role on January 1, 2025.
About the New Chancellor
Aviles-Ramos is currently the Department of Education’s (DOE) deputy chancellor of family and community engagement, a role she has held since July. Prior to this position, she worked as chief of staff to Banks before leaving in February to work briefly at a private college. She returned to the DOE six months later to become deputy chancellor.
Experience and Qualifications
Aviles-Ramos has an extensive resume in education and the city’s public school system, having been a teacher, school principal, and an acting superintendent in the Bronx. She has been credited with managing the influx of students who entered the public school system during the city’s migrant crisis, which began in 2022.
Quote from the Mayor
"Melissa is a veteran of NYC Public Schools and a lifelong educator," Adams said. "She brings a wealth of experience fostering community engagement and supporting families to her new role, serving in numerous roles in our public school system, and I believe she is the right woman for the moment. I thank Chancellor Banks for his tireless dedication to New York City families and what we have accomplished together over the last nearly three years."
Reaction from the Incoming Chancellor
"I am honored to accept this opportunity to be the incoming chancellor of NYC public schools," she said. "I am here to tell you that my charge is to make sure we carry through on all the bright starts and bold futures, all of the pathways that we’re building for our children, all the bridges that we need to building between communities and families because this is all in service of our children."
What They’re Saying
Banks joined Adams in welcoming his successor. "Today, I’m proud to welcome Melissa Avilés-Ramos as our new chancellor, whose deep commitment to family and community engagement will build on this success," he said. "Her leadership and experience will further strengthen our schools, ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive."
Kim Sweet, executive director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) congratulated Aviles-Ramos on her new position. "We congratulate Deputy Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos on being named the next Chancellor of New York City Public Schools," Sweet said. "As a long-time educator and current leader of NYCPS’ family and community engagement efforts, she will bring a deep understanding of the systemic challenges facing the largest school system in the nation to the role."
Conclusion
The appointment of Melissa Aviles-Ramos as the next NYC schools chancellor marks a new chapter in the city’s education system. With her extensive experience and qualifications, she is well-equipped to lead the system and continue the progress made by Chancellor Banks.
FAQs
Q: Who is Melissa Aviles-Ramos?
A: Melissa Aviles-Ramos is the incoming Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, previously serving as the Department of Education’s deputy chancellor of family and community engagement.
Q: Why is David Banks retiring?
A: David Banks is retiring due to an FBI probe into several high-ranking city officials within the Adams administration.
Q: When does Aviles-Ramos take office?
A: Aviles-Ramos will assume the chancellor’s role on January 1, 2025.
