Kamar Samuels

Kamar Samuels is a Jamaican-American educator who has served as the chancellor of New York City Public Schools since January 1, 2026. Before becoming chancellor, he served as superintendent for Manhattan's District 3 and Brooklyn's District 13.

As chancellor, Samuels leads the nation's largest school district. In 2024–25, New York City Public Schools reported 906,248 students in the city school system, and 148,089 students enrolled in charter schools. The system's adopted budget for fiscal year 2026 was $42.8 billion.

Early life and education Samuels was born in Jamaica and attended Jamaica College before continuing his education in New York City. He studied accounting at Baruch College and previously worked in finance, including as a finance manager at the National Basketball Association.

Schools chancellor Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced Samuels as schools chancellor on December 31, 2025; Samuels began serving on January 1, 2026.

In his early communications as chancellor, Samuels emphasized school integration, culturally responsive education, and community engagement as priorities.