Jamal Bowman Targets Superintendent Position

Jamal Bowman, the former congressman who faced backlash for running a middle school without a proper principal’s license and triggering fire alarms, is actively campaigning to become the city’s next school superintendent. He has expressed a strong desire to initiate a “revolution in public schools,” according to recent reports.

In an address to his supporters at the New York chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America via Zoom on Thursday night, Bowman spoke with confidence as if he had already secured support from Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, whom he refers to as a like-minded ally.

“I’m an educator, a lifelong educator. Universal child care would transform public schools!” he stated emphatically.

He added, “Let’s keep building influence. Winning this election grants us and Zoran authority, but it doesn’t equate to power.”

Bowman, who is 49, has been a prominent supporter of Mamdani and is connected to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, hoping she can help advocate for him in this effort.

This past weekend, he was seen alongside two United Teachers Union members at the SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico, showcasing his commitment to the education sector. It’s worth noting that influential teachers’ unions lend their support to Mamdani and play a significant role in crafting his educational policies.

According to insiders, Bowman has been eyeing this opportunity for quite some time. However, he does face criticism from former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who argues that Bowman lacks the necessary experience for the role.

Bowman previously served as principal at the Bronx Cornerstone Academy for Social Action from 2009 to 2019. Interestingly, records indicate he operated without a license for nearly two years—an unauthorized move in violation of New York state law.

He’s recognized as a leading voice in the opt-out movement, which motivates parents to withdraw their children from state exams, labeling it a form of “civil disobedience.”

Bowman has also been linked to various controversies. Notably, he allegedly set off a fire alarm to postpone a House spending vote in 2023 and has made inflammatory statements regarding events in the Middle East and historical conspiracy theories.

The notion of him potentially taking the helm of the education department raises concerns for some, with critics feeling apprehensive about his influence. “This is troubling for all New Yorkers, particularly for Jewish communities,” remarked City Colleges Trustee Jeffrey Wiesenfeld.

Bowman is in a competitive field, facing at least four other candidates, each with their own issues to consider. Presently, Mamdani has not committed to anyone for the position, as the school system grapples with challenges like declining enrollment and persistent attendance problems.

Current Candidates

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

The current school president, Melissa Aviles-Ramos, hopes to keep her position. At a recent event, she indicated that discussions with Mamdani regarding her future have yet to take place, expressing her commitment to the city’s education as a public school mom.

Aviles-Ramos, 43, is the highest-paid city employee, with a salary exceeding the mayor’s. While she aims to leverage a slight increase in test scores, it’s important to note that many students are still falling short of proficiency in core subjects.

Rita Joseph

Another contender, Rita Joseph, a Brooklyn City Council member and longtime educator, also made her presence felt at the SOMOS conference. Unfortunately, she’s noted to lack the required qualifications for the role, though a waiver could be a possibility.

Joseph has faced backlash for her past abstentions on controversial votes and has been criticized for being too aligned with the existing bureaucracy.

Meisha Ross Porter

Meisha Ross Porter is another candidate in the mix, who previously served as chancellor under Mayor de Blasio. She has emerged as a notable figure with a past that raises some eyebrows and is currently eyeing opportunities beyond New York.

Kamal Samuels

Kamal Samuels, who is the current superintendent for District 3, was appointed in 2022. However, critiques of his tenure have raised questions about his reputation and qualifications for a more prominent role.

As the landscape for the city’s educational leadership unfolds, the debate around who should take the lead continues, with many eyes watching how Mamdani will navigate these choices in the coming weeks.