Mayor Eric Adams announced Melissa Aviles-Ramos as the next NYC schools chancellor during a Wednesday press conference in the Bronx.
The appointment comes a day after Schools Chancellor David Banks announced his retirement, effective on Dec. 31 — a move made as the FBI continues to probe into several high-ranking city officials within the Adams administration. Aviles-Ramos will assume the chancellor’s role on Jan. 1, 2025.
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.
“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.”
The incoming chancellor also brings to her new position 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.
“I am honored to accept this opportunity to be the incoming chancellor of NYC public schools,” she said.
Aviles-Ramos has been credited with managing the influx of students who entered into the public school system during the city’s migrant crisis, which began in 2022.
She added that her own child attends NYC public schools and she feels “fortunate” to be a part of the DOE.
“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,” Aviles-Ramos said. “So you have my commitment to be that chancellor.
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.”
Queens Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar said she is “excited to partner” with the incoming chancellor.
“Chancellor Ramos knows through her own life story, education can open the door. And together we’re going to do incredible things for this city,” she said.
Banks was appointed chancellor by Adams in January 2022. The outgoing chancellor, along with his partner, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, both had their phones seized by federal agents on Sept. 4 as part of the investigations.
“I want to thank Mayor Adams for giving me the opportunity to serve as chancellor, and I am immensely proud of the progress we’ve made together — ensuring every child can read, expanding special education and gifted and talented programs, and creating innovative pathways for our students to secure rewarding careers and long-term success,” Banks said in his statement.
The chancellor’s announcement comes as the latest in a string of recent high-profile resignations in the Adams administration, including that of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg and, just Monday, Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan.
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