A Trailblazing Leader for the Nation’s Largest School System
In a historic move, Meisha Ross Porter was appointed as the new Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, becoming the first Black woman to lead the nation’s largest school system.
This appointment marked a significant milestone, as Porter took the helm at a critical time when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education of millions of students.
“As a lifelong New Yorker, a product of our City’s public schools, and a career educator, it is the honor of my lifetime to serve as Chancellor,” said the Queens native in a statement.
“Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza have laid an incredible foundation for me, and I am ready to hit the ground running and lead New York City schools to full recovery.”
Climbing the Ranks of the Education Department
Porter’s journey to the top has been one of hard work and dedication. She first got her start as a youth organizer in the Bronx’s Highbridge neighborhood, and over the past two decades, she has served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in the borough.
In 2018, she was appointed by former Chancellor Richard Carranza to oversee the Bronx’s 361 schools as executive superintendent.
During her time as executive superintendent, Porter played a pivotal role in driving the largest gains in graduation rates of any borough, from 67.4% in 2018 to 73.0% — a 5.7% point increase.
She also oversaw a substantial increase in postsecondary enrollment in the Bronx, with 54.9% of the Class of 2019’s ninth-grade cohort enrolling in college, a 1.2% increase from the Class of 2018.
Championing Equity and Inclusion
Porter’s appointment as Chancellor signaled the city’s commitment to advancing equity and inclusion within the education system.
As Mayor Bill de Blasio stated, “Meisha Porter is a homegrown New Yorker who knows what it takes to give every kid the high-quality public school education they deserve.”
Throughout her career, Porter has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by communities of color and a dedication to addressing them head-on.
As executive superintendent, she worked closely with parent advocates and community groups, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs were met.
