Education governance shared decision-making schools policy retention
Schools Chancellor Decision Reflects Broader Governance Philosophy of Continuity vs. Change
Zohran Mamdani must decide whether to retain Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos or appoint a new chief, a decision that carries significance beyond personnel matters. It will signal whether the incoming mayor prioritizes continuity and stability during institutional transitions or will pursue a clean break with the Adams administration. The schools chancellor position oversees the nation’s largest school system, with 150,000 employees, nearly 43 billion dollars in annual budget, and responsibility for 911,000 students across approximately 1,600 schools. Aviles-Ramos, appointed in October 2024, is only 43 years old but brings more experience than many previous chancellors, having served as teacher, principal, superintendent, and chief of staff to a former chancellor.
Growing Parent Advocacy for Retaining Aviles-Ramos and Leadership Stability
Multiple parent groups have submitted letters to Mamdani urging retention of the current chancellor. The Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council, representing dozens of parent leaders across the city, argued that “families across this city deserve stability, experienced leadership and continuity during this critical transition.” Local education council leaders have similarly advocated for keeping Aviles-Ramos in place, arguing that removing the chancellor mid-school year would create unnecessary disruption at a moment when the new administration is implementing numerous other changes. These parents emphasize that families need certainty about leadership direction in schools.
Professional Assessment of the Chancellor’s Performance
Education experts who have evaluated Aviles-Ramos’s performance generally offer positive assessments. A former principal noted that she is “approachable and open” and listens to criticism while maintaining professional standards. Parents and educators note that she has effectively managed the Adams administration’s reading and math curriculum initiatives and demonstrates genuine commitment to student outcomes. Mamdani himself told reporters that Aviles-Ramos “has been doing a good job,” though he has not yet announced his final decision. Learn more about NYC schools at NYC Department of Education.
Mamdani’s Education Philosophy and Governance Vision for School Democratization
Unlike previous mayoral candidates, Mamdani has explicitly expressed opposition to mayoral control of schools in its current form, a position that distinguished him during the campaign. He has advocated for more participatory governance structures that would include school leadership teams comprising administrators, teachers, and parents in decision-making processes. This perspective aligns with increased democratization of school governance but could complicate implementation and create tensions with the chancellor’s authority. The city’s school governance system is up for renewal from the state in 2026, creating an opportunity for structural reforms that Mamdani might champion and advance.
Specialized High Schools and Admissions Equity Considerations
Though Mamdani attended Bronx Science, one of the city’s selective exam schools, he has previously supported efforts to remake the specialized high school admissions process. The current system depends entirely on a single standardized test, excluding many qualified students from underrepresented communities. Education scholars recommend that Mamdani avoid becoming distracted by specialized school controversies and focus instead on ensuring high-quality schools are available throughout the city.
Universal Child Care Coordination Requires Strong Education Leadership
Mamdani’s signature promise of universal child care will require intensive coordination with the Department of Education. The schools system can provide space, facility expertise, and existing infrastructure for childcare expansion. The chancellor’s role in this coordination is crucial for successful implementation. Retaining an experienced chancellor who understands the existing system could facilitate childcare program implementation, while a newly appointed chancellor would require a learning curve during a critical implementation period.
Curriculum and Reading Initiative Continuity Benefits
Mayor Adams’ administration initiated NYC Reads, a phonics-based reading curriculum that has generated measurable improvements in fourth-grade reading scores. Education experts recommend that Mamdani sustain this initiative and expand it to higher grades while avoiding ideological curriculum wars that have distracted previous administrations. Aviles-Ramos has been instrumental in implementing this initiative and understands its mechanics thoroughly. Learn more at Chalkbeat NY.
School Facility Management and Closure Consolidation
The Department of Education faces difficult questions about school capacity and consolidation. The proposal to close three to five schools annually and consolidate underenrolled buildings requires sensitive implementation to minimize disruption. Five schools are already recommended for closure in 2026. An experienced chancellor familiar with the system’s complexities would be better positioned to manage these transitions effectively.
Historical Precedent: Breaking Tradition of Chancellor Replacement
If Mamdani retains Aviles-Ramos, he would be the first New York City mayor in decades to keep his predecessor’s schools chief in place. Every mayor since mayoral control of schools was implemented has appointed a new chancellor. Breaking this tradition could signal greater institutional continuity and pragmatism, though it might also surprise observers expecting a typical transition. The decision will shape perceptions of Mamdani’s approach to governance more broadly.
