Veteran educator Kamar Samuels was recently appointed the new chancellor of New York City Public Schools, the largest school system in the nation. Samuels was chosen by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in January to lead the school district, which serves 906,248 students across more than 1,500 schools. He succeeds Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who held the position since September 2024.

Samuels most recently served as the superintendent for Manhattan's District 3 and Brooklyn's District 13. In these roles, he spearheaded the implementation of NYC Reads, contributing to a five percent increase in literacy outcomes, advanced school integration efforts, and oversaw the launch of several International Baccalaureate programs. 

Samuels was a finance manager at the National Basketball Association before he began his teaching career through the NYC Teaching Fellows program, an accelerated teacher training initiative. After completing the program, he worked as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx and later served as principal of the Bronx Writing Academy. He advanced through the district ranks, serving in senior leadership roles, including Executive Director of District School Design and Senior Director of Partnerships and Initiatives.

In a letter to families after being named chancellor, Samuels wrote, “As a lifelong educator who has served our system as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, and as the parent of two New York City Public Schools students, I know firsthand that our schools are the heart of our communities. I also know that as a school system, we still have work to do to ensure our schools live up to that promise for every child in every classroom. I step into this role with humility, urgency, and a clear understanding of that responsibility, and I am deeply honored to serve as your New York City Public Schools Chancellor.”

Long-Time Long Beach Leader to Retire

Jill Baker, superintendent of California’s Long Beach Unified School District, is retiring at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. Since 2020, she has served as superintendent of California’s fourth-largest school district, which serves 61,000 students.

During her tenure, Baker led the development of the district’s Learning Acceleration and Support Plan, which combined state and federal recovery funds to enhance learning opportunities for students following the COVID-19 pandemic. She also oversaw the expansion of dual enrollment and dual language programs, college-and career-readiness initiatives, launched the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, and opened the Center of Black Student Excellence in 2025.

Baker started her career as a teacher in a district elementary school in 1992, and has served a variety of roles in the district, including several assistant superintendent positions, chief academic officer, and six years as deputy superintendent of schools.

In a video message, Baker, who is the district’s first female superintendent, reflected on her journey from the classroom experience to the superintendency and the principle that has guided her work throughout her career: putting students at the center of every decision.

“From my very first classroom experience, students have shaped who I am as an educator and as a leader,” Baker said. “They have humbled me, inspired me, and reminded me every day why this work matters. Serving the Long Beach community has been the greatest honor of my professional life.”

Board of Education President Diana Craighead praised Baker’s leadership and legacy.

“Dr. Baker has led Long Beach Unified with integrity, vision, and deep humanity,” Craighead said. “Her commitment to students, staff, and community has strengthened our district and positioned us well for the future.”