Mamdani Pick for NYC Schools Chancellor Praised By Jewish Teachers Group

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is preparing to appoint Manhattan district superintendent Kamar Samuels as New York City’s next schools chancellor, Belaaz has learned.

Samuels, who currently serves as superintendent of Manhattan’s District 3, is expected to assume leadership of the nation’s largest public school system on January 1, overseeing more than 900,000 students and approximately 135,000 employees.

United Jewish Teachers head Moshe Spern reacted positively to the expected appointment, calling Samuels a “really good choice” for the role.

“He is a well experienced superintendent and school leader. I am very hopeful he will be a partner in combatting antisemitism that is still happening in our public schools across the city,” Spern told Belaaz, adding that Samuels hosted a meeting with a Jewish principal last year which touched on Israel issues with a positive perspective.

The anticipated appointment comes as City Hall finalizes preparations for Mamdani’s public swearing-in ceremony. The selection was first reported by City & State and the NY Post.

The race to lead the city’s school system ultimately narrowed to Samuels and current Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who has openly expressed interest in remaining in the role. However, sources said neither candidate was initially Mamdani’s top choice.

Instead, former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s schools chief, Meisha Porter, had been widely expected to secure the position. “She was this close,” one insider told the NY Post, adding, “[Porter] was not happy with Mamdani.”

Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in as mayor on January 1, with Samuels expected to take office immediately afterward.