First, we warmly congratulate Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani on his victory and thank him for his commitment to New York City. As parents, educators, and community members, we want his administration—and our children—to succeed.

Our schools need leadership grounded in experience, integrity, and academic excellence, not ideology. As the Mayor-Elect considers candidates for Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education, we respectfully urge a transparent, merit-based search and wish to share why Jamaal Bowman would be a divisive and unqualified choice for this critical role.

 Why Jamaal Bowman Is the Wrong Pick
1. Documented oversight and licensure concerns
Reporting has alleged that during his tenure leading the Cornerstone Academy for Social Action (CASA), Bowman served while his required School Building Leader certification had lapsed—raising questions about compliance with New York regulations.
(Source: City Journal, Times of India)

2. Polarizing leadership record
Coverage describes Bowman’s leadership and public profile as highly ideological and polarizing—qualities ill-suited to uniting a one-million-student system that needs stability and broad parent trust.
(Source: Yahoo, City Journal)

 
Why This Matters in the Context of Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s Education Direction
Opposition to charter growth
Former NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein noted in The Free Press that Mayor-Elect Mamdani has signaled opposition to allowing additional public-charter schools—schools that many NYC families, especially Black and Latino, choose for strong outcomes. Limiting them would reduce opportunity for thousands of children.

Plan to phase out Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs in early grades
Public reporting indicates the Mayor-Elect supports ending G&T at the elementary level—a move critics say could push families out of the system and reduce pathways for advanced learners. Supporters call it an equity reform, but it remains sharply contested.
(Source: New York Post, Vox)

Ending mayoral control
The Mayor-Elect has also suggested rolling back mayoral control—the accountability structure in place since 2002—which experts warn could return the system to fragmented governance.
(Source: Chalkbeat NY)

 
Why It Matters
Given this backdrop, appointing Jamaal Bowman—whose record already raises compliance and divisiveness concerns—would likely magnify controversy, undermine parent confidence, and distract from the urgent work of improving instruction, safety, attendance, and outcomes in every neighborhood.
(Sources: City Journal, The Free Press)

 
Our Request to Mayor-Elect Mamdani
We respectfully ask the Mayor-Elect to:

Conduct a transparent, merit-based search for Chancellor with clear criteria tied to student achievement, school safety, operational competence, and community trust.
Appoint a proven, non-partisan education leader with a track record of improving outcomes for all students and partnering effectively with teachers and families.
Engage parents, educators, and students through open forums and advisory input before any appointment is finalized.
(Source: Chalkbeat NY)
 
Closing Message
We are eager to collaborate with City Hall to keep politics out of classrooms, raise standards, and make every school a place where children can thrive.
Please choose unifying, qualified leadership for NYC’s Department of Education.

Respectfully,
Concerned Parents and Members of the New York City Community

 
References (for transparency):
The Free Press (Joel Klein op-ed, Sept 3 2025) – outlines Mamdani’s reported education positions and mentions Bowman as a rumored pick.
City Journal (Aug 4 2025) – details Bowman’s certification lapse and ideological record.
Times of India (Aug 6 2025) – explains Bowman’s licensing timeline.
Chalkbeat New York (Sept 10 2025) – covers governance and public input on DOE leadership.
New York Post / Vox (Oct 2025) – perspectives on G&T proposals