Latina educator to lead NYC school system as current chancellor steps down amid federal corruption probes

Melissa Aviles-Ramos, a former teacher of Puerto Rican and Spanish-speaking origin, will be the new Chancellor of the New York City Public School System, the largest in the United States, according to local reports. She currently holds the position of Deputy Chancellor, Family & Community Engagement & External Affairs.

Aviles-Ramos, who will begin her new journey as New York’s educational leader has led an impressive nearly two-decade ascending career in the local public school system, where she is currently the deputy responsible for family, community and external affairs, making her the “highest-ranking Latina and Spanish-speaking leader,” according to a statement released by the city of New York.

The Bronx Latina’s appointment comes after David Banks, the school system's Chancellor for three years, announced that he will leave the position at the end of 2024. Banks is one of several senior city officials dealing with the fallout of a federal corruption investigation surrounding M​ayor Eric Adams, who has been charged with accepting gifts and campaign contributions from wealthy foreigners.

Aviles-Ramos’ sudden appointment, the New York Times reported, seems aimed at an attempt “to project stability amid the chaos engulfing Mr. Adams’s administration,” as it faces four federal corruption inquiries and a “flurry of resignations among senior officials.”

Congratulations on your appointment as chancellor of @NYCSchools, Melissa Aviles-Ramos!

As lifelong educator from the Bronx, Melissa has everything it takes to continue the success we've had giving our students the best education possible.https://t.co/2CH9caKFNv

— City of New York (@nycgov) September 25, 2024

As part of the transition, Adams held a Wednesday press conference and praised Aviles-Ramos for her accomplishments.

"Melissa is a veteran of New York City Public Schools and a lifelong educator,” Adams said. “She brings a wealth of experience fostering community engagement and supporting families to her new role, serving in numerous roles in our public school system, and I believe she is the right woman for the moment.”

Aviles-Ramos began her career in 2007 as an English teacher in the public system and rose to school principal and interim supervisor before joining the New York City Public Schools System. As part of her long career in the educational system, she has played a key role in the plan to support the surge of migrant children arriving in New York in the last two years.

She also pledged to continue supporting students with disabilities and improve literacy rates.

“Becoming the chancellor for nation's largest school district is the ultimate job for a lifelong educator,” said incoming Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “As a former teacher and a mom of a public-school student, I believe strongly in our work and in maintaining stability through this transition. Under my leadership, we will continue to strengthen our supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners, improve our city's literacy and math proficiency rates, help our older students forge pathways to a bright future, and keep our schools safe,” she told a New York audience..

Banks is currently scheduled to leave his position on Dec. 31 and Avilés-Ramos will take office on Jan. 1.

According to her biography, Aliles-Ramos was born and raised in the Bronx, the daughter of a single mother from Puerto Rico, and was the first in her family to graduate from high school and attend college.

She “brings a wealth of experience fostering community engagement and supporting families to her new role,” according to a statement released by NYC government. The former teacher joined the New York City Public Schools System in 2007 as an English teacher, and went on to serve as an assistant principal, principal, deputy superintendent, acting superintendent, and education administrator. During her tenure as a high school principal, the graduation rate increased by 60%.

“Her efforts have included creating advisory councils, launching community-based projects, and spearheading initiatives that address critical issues affecting students and their families,” the statement says.