Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Melissa Aviles-Ramos is Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the nation. She believes deeply that our schools must provide every student with a solid foundation in reading and math while preparing them for 21st-century careers, a vision she is achieving through three transformative initiatives: NYC Reads, NYC Solves, and Student Pathways. Additionally, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos is committed to ensuring student safety and emotional wellness, providing robust support for educators, and empowering families and communities. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos has dedicated nearly two decades to the children, staff, and families of NYC, serving in roles at every level of the system and leading through moments of change. She began her career in 2007 as an English teacher and NYC Teaching Fellow in the Bronx. She then became a high school principal and later the deputy superintendent—followed by acting superintendent—for Bronx high schools. Most recently, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos was the Deputy Chancellor of Family and Community Engagement and External Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to former Chancellor David Banks, where she was a key architect of NYC Reads and launched Project Open Arms, an initiative to welcome tens of thousands of migrant students to NYC. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos is a native New Yorker, a Latina, and a proud NYCPS parent.