What They Are Saying: Community Leaders, Parents, and Elected Officials Praise Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos 2025 State of Our Schools Address

NEW YORK - New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today unveiled a series of transformative initiatives designed to accelerate academic progress and strengthen leadership across the system at her first State of Our Schools address. In this address, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos highlighted a key new expansion to NYCPS Cares, a suite of signature initiatives to address systemic inequities in schools, new systems of support for literacy development, a new four-part framework for AI, and the landmark results of this year's Principal Satisfaction Survey, administered in Spring 2025.

Here's what New Yorkers are saying:

"Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos has led New York City Public Schools from the front line," said Panel Chairperson Gregory Faulkner. "Our schools are showing to be more inclusive, inviting, and cutting-edge spaces that advance student outcomes while simultaneously preparing them for long-term success."

"The expansion of Every Child and Family is Known shows what's possible when schools and city agencies work hand in hand to meet families where they are," said Ahsia Badi, Executive Director of NYC's Children's Cabinet. "By ensuring that children in shelter have a caring adult checking in with them each day, and weekly with their families as well-we are strengthening the bond between home and school, building trust and belonging and providing families with the support they deserve."

"This State of Our Schools shows what's possible when moral clarity meets strong leadership," said Interfaith Council Member and Executive Vice President of New York Board of Rabbis, Joseph Potasnik. "We're seeing real change not just in academics, but compassionate innovation and community engagement." "At the heart of this administration is its deepening commitment to equity and care. From raising literacy levels to supporting the caregivers who hold out communities together, the Chancellor's vision is turning hope into action." - Reverend Jacques A. DeGraff, Choose Healthy Life (CHL), NYC Clergy Leader, and Chair of the Chancellor's Interfaith Advisory Council.

"This year's State of Our Schools shows progress we can feel in our classrooms and a school system advancing on several fronts. School leaders have clearer guidance and resources to lead with, students are making strong gains in literacy and math, and we're starting to bring in the careful integration of emerging technologies like AI, with care. Said Caroline Jose, Parent Leader and CEC 6 member. "Most importantly, it shows what's possible when our city's schools and family communities work together to create stronger opportunities for our students."