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Kamar Samuels Takes Helm of NYC Schools, Prioritizes Integration and Literacy as Mamdani Seeks Mayoral Control Extension

He signals a literacy‑first approach with a forthcoming review of the city’s math mandate.

Overview

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani will ask the state legislature to renew mayoral control and promises new avenues for meaningful family and community input, including revamped parent meetings and a stronger parent coordinator role.
  • Kamar Samuels outlines priorities that include school integration and culturally responsive instruction, building on his track record with mergers, admissions changes, and International Baccalaureate expansion.
  • The chancellor tells principals the NYC Reads literacy mandate will be reinforced, while the city’s math overhaul (NYC Solves) could shift, with the teachers union welcoming a closer look at curriculum and implementation.
  • Samuels begins his tenure at P.S./M.S. 194 in the Bronx, where he started teaching, meeting educators, students, and parents and emphasizing sustained listening across all five boroughs.
  • Mamdani also names Emmy Liss to lead the mayor’s Office of Child Care, a key step toward his broader child care goals.