Kamar H. Samuels is the Chancellor of New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), the largest school system in the nation. A veteran educator with more than two decades of experience and an NYCPS parent himself, Chancellor Samuels has devoted his career to advancing student achievement, strengthening instructional practice, and building schools that are safe, academically rigorous, and truly integrated.
Appointed in 2026, Chancellor Samuels is focused on the core priorities that make schools successful and on engaging closely with educators, families, and students. He believes schools should reflect what makes New York City unique, embracing our rich diversity through learning experiences grounded in cultural understanding and respect. He leads with the conviction that all children deserve schools where they feel safe and valued, are challenged academically, and are prepared to thrive in college, careers, and life.
Chancellor Samuels was born in Jamaica, where he attended Jamaica College in St. Andrew before continuing his education in New York City at Baruch College. He began his career in NYCPS through the NYC Teaching Fellows program as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx, serving at PS 41 and PS/MS 194. His early classroom experiences shaped his belief that high expectations, meaningful support, and family partnership are essential to student success.
Chancellor Samuels went on to serve as principal of the Bronx Writing Academy (MS 323), followed by senior leadership roles in NYCPS central offices, including Executive Director of District School Design and Senior Director of Partnerships and Initiatives. In these positions, he provided strategic guidance on school design and supported equitable access to high-quality academic programs.
He later served as a deputy superintendent in Brooklyn and as a superintendent in both Brooklyn and Manhattan (Districts 13 and 3, respectively). Chancellor Samuels led his district's implementation of NYC Reads—NYCPS' signature initiative to reimagine literacy instruction—contributing to a five percent increase in literacy outcomes. He also led school integration efforts through admissions policies, mergers, rezoning, and culturally responsive educational practices, securing more than $10 million across Districts 13 and 3 to advance school integration initiatives. In addition, he oversaw the launch and implementation of 17 programs toward International Baccalaureate authorization.
Before entering education, Chancellor Samuels worked in finance, including as a Finance Manager at the National Basketball Association. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Baruch College, a Master of Science in Childhood Education from Lehman College, and New York State certifications as a School Building Leader and School District Leader.