Melissa Aviles-Ramos, the Department of Education’s chancellor, shared her vision and passion for New York City’s public schools during a State of the Schools address at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics on Sept. 29. During the presentation, she shouted out the journalists from Bronx River News, who covered the event along with other city media.
Ms. Aviles-Ramos, a former principal on the Lehman campus, focused on big picture ideas such as artificial intelligence in schools and boosting student opportunities while also taking time to acknowledge her Lehman roots.
To that end, the Color Guard from the JROTC at Lehman campus helped kick off the event in a packed auditorium filled with administrators, press and other invited guests.
Luciana Payano, a member of the Color Guard, appreciated getting out of her comfort zone. “When it comes to a big audience I’m comfortable, but these aren’t just regular people,’’ she said.
Suad Baoua, another member of the Color Guard, agreed but noted that “JROTC prepares you for this.”
Two students from Schuylerville Preparatory High School, the school where Ms. Aviles-Ramoss worked as principal, served as emcees. The students, Pamela Salguero and Tymla Sanders, introduced their principal, Jordana Bell, who once worked with the chancellor.
Reflecting on their time as colleagues, Ms. Bell said, “Side by side we taught collaboratively for students, especially those with special needs, to not just feel seen but included.”
Ms. Aviles-Ramos, whose 11-year-old daughter attends NYC public schools, talked about efforts to help all students succeed. “We mustn’t stop until every single student is proficient,’’ she said.
She highlighted the district’s recent success in providing students with more opportunities:
- FutureReady NYC, which prepares students for fields like healthcare, technology and education business, is now at nearly 180 schools.
- More than 300 Career and Technical Education Programs serve 130 schools, providing access to such careers as graphic design, engineering and robotics.
- Twenty-eight new schools opened, providing access to college classes and career pathways.
She also announced a plan to create a framework so students and educators can use AI responsibly. “We don’t want to stifle creativity or innovation,’’ she said.
Ms. Aviles-Ramos, who was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in September last year is pleased with what she’s been able to do. “I am most proud of the fact that I never lost sight of what it is to be a teacher or principal,’’ she said. “That I witness the system from the eyes of a parent…”
With Mayor Adams’ recent departure from the mayoral election, the room was abuzz with talk of what would come next as the new mayor typically picks the chancellor.
Even so, she is determined to focus on the future. “I’ve been very hopeful about not deflecting our work or professing that we are perfect, I give you transparency and I am proud of that,’’ she said.
“What I wish I had more time to do is actually spend more time with all of you. When I come to visit schools it’s a very busy agenda. I’m trying to meet with teachers and see what’s going on in all of your classrooms, but I wish I just had more time to hear from you.”
