NYC schools chief Meisha Porter stepping down as chancellor

August 2024 · 2 minute read

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City schools Chancellor Meisha Porter announced Wednesday that she will step down from her role at the end of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s term.

In an appearance on NY1, Porter said she will be taking the helm at a new Bronx nonprofit organization once Mayor-elect Eric Adams assumes office.

Adams is widely expected to name Department of Education veteran David Banks — who mentored Porter early in her career — as new head of the nation’s largest school system.

Porter ascended to the position after the abrupt departure of former schools chief Richard Carranza in March.

She previously served as a principal and later Bronx executive superintendent before de Blasio tapped her as his third and final chancellor.

The DOE described Porter’s new organization, the Bronx Community Foundation, as “the first and only community foundation dedicated to supporting and investing in community power to eradicate inequity and build sustainable futures for all Bronxites.”

The agency lauded Porter for spearheading several initiatives during her brief tenure — including the controversial replacement of Gifted and Talented programs with a general enrichment format.

Meisha Porter was appointed New York City schools chancellor in March 2021. Matthew McDermott
Porter announced she is set to take on a position at a Bronx nonprofit organization. Getty Images

The DOE also highlighted her role in “setting gold-standard health and safety protocols” and helping to forge an academic recovery plan to account for COVID-19 learning loss.

“She has worked tirelessly and fearlessly to make sure our kids get the high-quality education they deserve,” de Blasio said in a statement. “There is no doubt in my mind that she will bring the same determination and passion to her work serving Bronx families.”

Adams is expected to name her successor in the coming days.

Porter’s successor will reportedly be announced by Mayor-elect Eric Adams in the coming days. Gregory P. Mango
New York City schools Chancellor Meisha Porter is joined by Meghan Markle on a visit to a Harlem school on Sept. 24, 2021. Paul Martinka

Banks helped Porter launch her career in education at the Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice in 1997.

Banks founded the school and served as its first principal with Porter at his side as an assistant principal.

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