Kamar Samuels Takes Charge as NYC Schools Chancellor, Aims for Reform

Kamar Samuels has officially assumed the role of Chancellor of New York City’s public school system, following his appointment by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in the city, Samuels faces the challenge of leading the largest school system in the United States, tasked with implementing meaningful reforms.

In a recent interview with CBS News New York on “The Point with Marcia Kramer,” Samuels candidly assessed the current state of NYC Public Schools, giving the system a grade of C. He emphasized the necessity for schools to be safe, rigorous, and genuinely integrated. “If schools are not truly integrated, then throughout our system, we won’t really enjoy the greatness that New York City has,” he stated, underlining a commitment to socioeconomic and racial integration.

Revamping Parent Engagement

One of Samuels’ primary focuses will be reshaping how the City Department of Education interacts with parents. He noted that listening to parents has been a cornerstone of his previous roles and aims to carry that approach into his chancellorship. “Parents and families want to know that they are part of the decision-making process in schools,” he explained. His experience in Brooklyn informed this perspective, where he successfully involved families in educational decisions.

Regarding the potential closure of under-enrolled schools, Samuels acknowledged that some facilities may need reassessment. “I wouldn’t say I’m gonna close schools yet, but I’m gonna say that we’re gonna look at structural moves, which includes mergers and all of that,” he remarked, indicating a willingness to explore options for creating diverse educational environments while adhering to class-size mandates.

Addressing Academic Challenges

Samuels has identified improving student literacy and math proficiency as critical priorities. He highlighted a pressing need to ensure every student is on track in reading, stating, “That’s why we exist, and right now we don’t necessarily have that in every single neighborhood.” He expressed support for the NYC Reads initiative launched in 2023, aiming to enhance literacy rates across the city, and plans to expand its efforts.

He also underscored the importance of foundational math skills, particularly for younger students. “Knowing your times tables is very, very important in math,” he said, emphasizing that a solid grasp of basic concepts is essential for future success in more advanced mathematical studies.

Samuels is aware of a growing issue related to student absenteeism, a concern that spans various demographics. He noted that attendance rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for engaging and rigorous lessons to retain student interest. “If our work is not rigorous, our work is not engaging, students will not be excited to come to school,” he asserted.

To enhance student engagement, he suggested that schools could adopt strategies similar to those employed in video game design, where tasks are tailored to students’ abilities, motivating them to progress. He acknowledged the role parents play in ensuring consistent school attendance, particularly at the elementary level, where remote work dynamics may influence families’ decisions about school attendance.

Kamar Samuels replaces Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who served as chancellor for 14 and a half months under the Adams administration. His appointment was announced just hours before Mamdani officially assumed office on December 31, 2025. As he embarks on this new chapter, Samuels’ leadership will be closely watched as he seeks to navigate the complexities of New York City’s educational landscape and implement effective reforms that benefit students and families alike.