Jamaica College old boy ready for challenge of leading largest public school system in US

The New York City (NYC) public education system, the largest in the United States, is to be headed by Jamaica-born Kamar Samuels.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Samuels, a veteran educator in the New York public school system, to be the next chancellor of the NYC Department of Education.

He will oversee the country’s largest public education department with just under one million students, over 113,000 employees, and a massive budget of about US$40 billion.

“As a Jamaica-born immigrant, I am excited by this appointment to create an educational system that is affordable for all students, as I believe that all students should have access to quality schools in New York City,” Samuels told The Gleaner.

“So much of what I am was [shaped] by my roots as a Jamaican. Education has always been important to my family, my extended family, and those around me. So much of my formative years was built on my Jamaican upbringing.”

Samuels pointed out that Jamaica is very important to him, especially at this time with the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa.

He has been involved in numerous diaspora organisations, providing assistance to Jamaica across a wide area, including education.

Asked about the spotlight being on him to perform as an immigrant elevated to his new position, Samuels said he has always lived with the spotlight on him, even as superintendent, first in Brooklyn and later for Manhattan West.

“I have lived my life with a high level of integrity, and so I have nothing to fear from being in the spotlight,” he told The Gleaner.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Samuels was born in Kingston and attended Hope Valley Experimental before going on to Jamaica College, from which he graduated in 1993.

He migrated to the United States that same year, and later earned an accounting degree from Baruch College, City University of New York.

Before entering the educational field in New York, Samuels worked with the National Basketball Association and was fast-tracked into the education system under the Mayor Michael Bloomberg programme, ‘New Leaders for New Schools’.

Samuels also holds a master’s degree in childhood education which he earned at Lehman College.

He has taught in several schools in the NYC public school system and rose through the ranks to become superintendent, only one of three Jamaicans who currently holds that position.

The new chancellor will confront some big challenges, including mandating small class sizes and teacher recruitment.

As news of his appointment spread throughout the Jamaican community, messages of congratulations and praise have poured in.

Among those commenting on Samuels appointment is Jamaican interim superintendent for Brooklyn Dr Ruschell White, who worked closely with him.

“I am truly elated that former Superintendent Samuels has been selected as the new chancellor of New York City public schools. His experience, vision and unwavering commitment to students will undoubtedly continue to elevate the lives of NYC’s students, staff and families,” she said.

White said his appointment affirms the mayor’s commitment to prioritising the well-being of New Yorkers – especially students.

Akelia Lawrence-Maitland, who served with Samuels on the JamPac Organization, extended “heartfelt congratulations to Kamar Samuels on his ascension to chancellor of the NYC Department of Education.

Lawrence-Maitland, who also served as a former member of the Diaspora Advisory Board in New York, said the milestone was well deserved.

The Jamaican Consulate in New York has also offered congratulations to Samuels on his appointment.

“Born in Jamaica and shaped by the migrant journey so many of our countrymen have taken, Mr Samuels stands as a powerful example of what Jamaicans continue to contribute to this great city. His rise from educator to leader of the nation’s largest school system reflects the determination, discipline and community spirit that are hallmarks of our people,” the consulate said in a statement to The Gleaner.

The consulate said it celebrates “this proud moment for a Jamaican who carries the hopes of the diaspora with him, and we look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to the students and families of New York City”.

Extending her congratulations to Kamar Samuels on his appointment, international educator Dr Karren Dunkley said that having had the privilege of working with the new chancellor on several New York State education and diaspora initiatives, she has seen firsthand the depth of his commitment to students, families and communities.

“Kamar is an innovative, visionary and purpose-driven leader whose work has always reflected a deep belief in the transformative power of public education. He brings to this role a rare blend of strategic insight, courage and compassion,” she said.

Dunkley expressed the belief that under his leadership, New York City public schools will continue to deliver on the promise of public education.

Donovan Wilson, president of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations, said he was extremely proud of Samuels’ appointment.

“He brings a sense of purpose to the NYC public school system as chancellor, as he has done in all his previous endeavours,” said Wilson.

editorial@gleanerjm.com