NEW YORK — The historic day for Mayor Eric Adams’ administration happened when a new member started preparing for a new role.
Chancellor of Incoming Schools Melissa Aviles-Ramos spoke with CBS News New York education reporter Doug Williams on Thursday, a day after she was appointed to replace the retiring David Banks.
A lot has changed in New York City since Wednesday, when Aviles-Ramos was introduced by the mayor as the next leader of New York City Public Schools.
“Being chancellor comes with many surprises and challenges,” Aviles-Ramos said.
Aviles-Ramos says she enjoys training “future leaders.”
Aviles-Ramos spoke with Williams in a quieter room during a much noisier news cycle. She shared her thoughts on the mayor’s situation.
“I’m an English teacher and my focus is on making sure our students feel seen, heard and supported. So today I feel exactly the same as I did yesterday,” she said.
Aviles-Ramos, the top Hispanic member of the Department of Education, said she is focused on the work, which she will begin in earnest when Banks officially retires on Dec. 31.
“I am happy to be here now. I have had a great career over the past seventeen years and I will stay in education as long as I can because I believe this is a way to build our future leaders,” she said .
Reading, math and safety are her top priorities
Aviles-Ramos said Wednesday that she wants to be seen as a symbol of stability. She says the work her department has done will continue even if Mayor Adams is not re-elected.
“Our priority is that children can read, do math, be safe and have access to great programs and opportunities that will lead to success after graduation. I can’t imagine anyone not prioritizing those things,” she said.
Being safe is a priority for many, including the new Chancellor.
“It is and remains the highest priority in our government right now, and as chancellor it is my responsibility to ensure that we work closely with our community leaders and our families to truly define what safety looks like,” Aviles-Ramos said.
As principal earlier in her career, Aviles-Ramos was in charge of security at the school. Safety is not just a concern for students and their families, but one of the many concerns of city educators.
“When we put teacher support first, kids win, and that’s what matters to me,” Aviles-Ramos said.
Doug Williams
