Jamaica-born, New York–based veteran educator Kamar Samuels has been appointed Chancellor of New York City Public Schools by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, placing him at the helm of the largest public school system in the United States.
Samuels, who previously served as superintendent of Manhattan District 3, now oversees a system serving more than one million students and managing a budget exceeding US$40 billion. His appointment was announced on Wednesday and took effect following Mamdani’s swearing-in as mayor on Thursday, January 1.
With more than 20 years of experience in New York City’s public education system, Samuels’ career spans classroom teaching, school leadership and district-level administration. He is widely recognised for his data-driven approach and focus on improving outcomes in urban schools.
Born in Jamaica, Samuels attended Jamaica College in St Andrew before migrating to the United States. He earned an accounting degree from Baruch College, City University of New York, and later completed a Master of Science in Education in childhood education at Lehman College, CUNY.
Before entering public education full-time, Samuels worked as a finance manager with the National Basketball Association (NBA), experience that strengthened his capacity for large-scale organisational and fiscal management. He later joined the NYC Teaching Fellows programme, teaching at the elementary level in the Bronx for five years before transitioning into school operations.
His career progression included roles as a business manager and data specialist at the Gun Hill Road School, followed by his appointment as principal of the Bronx Writing Academy through the New Leaders for New Schools residency programme.
Beyond his professional work in the United States, Samuels has remained closely connected to Jamaica through the diaspora. He served as education chair and later president of Jamaica Impact, a diaspora-led organisation that supported basic schools and education initiatives on the island.
Speaking at the announcement, Samuels said his leadership would be guided by his experience as both an educator and a parent.
“A great city is measured by how well it takes care of its children, and a great school system starts with leadership that knows the work from inside out,” he said. “Together we will make sure that every classroom in New York City is a place where learning is happening and is joyful and teachers are supported and students can imagine a future that is as big as this city itself.”
He outlined key priorities, including fully funding public schools, investing in the recruitment and retention of educators—particularly in special education, bilingual education, and math and science—and confronting student homelessness. Samuels said approximately 150,000 students in the city are homeless.
During his campaign, Mamdani described New York City as the most segregated school system in the United States. Samuels has led school integration efforts, including merging schools, and has also overseen changes to Gifted and Talented programmes amid concerns about racial disparities.
David Adams of the nonprofit Urban Assembly, who worked with Samuels on integration efforts, praised his leadership style.
“Kamar is a person who understands how to move through different spaces. He understands the importance of engaging with different stakeholders when he’s trying to get things done,” Adams said. “He’s a person who cares about school climate, but also a person who believes and dreams big things.”
United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew welcomed the appointment, saying Samuels has “the experience and perspective necessary to help our school system thrive.”
At the same announcement, Mamdani also named Julia Kerson as deputy mayor for operations, Louise Yeung as chief climate officer, Ahmed Tigani as commissioner of the Department of Buildings, and Emmy Liss as executive director for the Office of Child Care.
Outgoing Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos has agreed to remain in the role for an additional month to assist with the leadership transition.
