Mayor-Elect Mamdani Names Kamar Samuels as New NYC Schools Chancellor
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is poised to appoint Kamar Samuels as the next chancellor of New York City’s public schools, a move that signals a significant shift in education policy for the nation’s largest school system. Samuels, a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience in the city’s public schools, has built a reputation for advocating racial diversity and equity, including efforts to phase out the controversial Gifted & Talented program.
As chancellor, Samuels will oversee a sprawling network of more than 1,600 schools serving over 900,000 students and employing approximately 135,000 staff members. His appointment aligns closely with Mamdani’s campaign promise to reshape education in New York City, particularly by addressing longstanding disparities in access and opportunity.
During his career, Samuels has championed initiatives aimed at increasing racial integration through strategic school mergers. While serving as superintendent of Manhattan’s District 3, he implemented policies that echoed the de Blasio administration’s efforts to diversify Brooklyn middle schools. These efforts were part of a broader push to dismantle systems critics say perpetuate racial bias, such as the Gifted & Talented program, which Mamdani has pledged to reform by replacing the kindergarten test with a universal assessment in second grade.
“It’s a politically challenging assignment to run District 3, really, and he ran it at a very challenging time,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, highlighting Samuels’ steady leadership during complex educational reforms. Samuels began his career as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx before advancing to middle school principal, deputy superintendent in Brooklyn’s Community School District 23, and later superintendent of Community School District 13.
In addition to his work on diversity, Samuels has supported the International Baccalaureate program, emphasizing his commitment to expanding educational opportunities while investing in teacher development. His approach reflects a philosophy of equity and inclusion that resonates with Mamdani’s vision for the city’s schools.
Mayor Eric Adams had halted the previous administration’s plan to eliminate the Gifted & Talented test, but Mamdani’s selection of Samuels signals a renewed push to revisit and advance these reforms. The appointment was first reported by City & State NY and further detailed by Chalkbeat, which covers education news extensively.
As the new chancellor, Samuels will face the challenge of balancing diverse community expectations while steering policies that address systemic inequities. His leadership will be critical in shaping the educational landscape for New York City’s youth.
For more information on New York City’s public school system, visit the NYC Department of Education. To learn about ongoing education reforms and policies, the U.S. Department of Education provides comprehensive resources and updates.
With his extensive background and alignment with Mamdani’s progressive agenda, Kamar Samuels’ appointment marks a pivotal moment for New York City’s education system as it moves into 2026.
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