NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani to Appoint Kamar Samuels as Schools Chancellor Wednesday

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to announce Kamar Samuels as the new Schools Chancellor on Wednesday. This selection marks a significant appointment just before Mamdani officially takes office.

Kamar Samuels: New Schools Chancellor

Kamar Samuels, who currently serves as the superintendent of District 3 in Manhattan, played an essential role in promoting racial diversity during the tenure of former Mayor Bill de Blasio. While there was discussion about retaining current Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles Ramos, Mamdani ultimately opted for Samuels. Other candidates considered included Meisha Ross Porter and Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, both associated with the de Blasio administration.

Context of the Appointment

This announcement comes just ahead of the resumption of classes on Monday after the winter break. Mamdani has not specified when Samuels would officially begin his role as Schools Chancellor.

Other Key Appointments by Mamdani

Mamdani made several additional appointments during this critical transition period. Notably, Steve Banks has been appointed as corporation counsel, becoming the first legal aid lawyer to assume this role. Banks is a veteran of the de Blasio administration, having been the commissioner of the Department of Social Services from 2014 to 2021.

• Steve Banks: Corporation counsel, previously served as Department of Social Services commissioner.
• Dean Fuleihan: First Deputy Mayor, held the same position under de Blasio.
• Ramzi Kassem: Progressive activist lawyer, will focus on defending the rights of New Yorkers.
• Helen Arteaga: Appointed deputy mayor for Health and Human Services.

Mamdani’s Inauguration Plans

As Mamdani’s administration takes shape, plans for his swearing-in ceremony are also underway. He will be sworn in privately at midnight on January 1 by Attorney General Letitia James. A public ceremony will follow at 1 p.m. at City Hall.

Notable speakers at the event include Queens Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, who will administer the oath.

Mamdani emphasized his intention to not only improve the quality of life for New Yorkers but also to transform the systems that support this work. His first actions, including the appointment of Kamar Samuels, indicate a commitment to progressive change within the city’s education sector.