A Commitment to Doing More With Less

We recently interviewed the new Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education about the issues students face at school. Here are Chancellor Banks’ positions on budget cuts, school safety, the gifted and talented program, students’ mental health, and preparing young people to succeed after graduation.

United by Difference in New York City

by Dominique de Castro

A heavy pot blew through a window in a flurry of wind and rain. Just like that, the seal was broken. Pop! Pop! Pop! The rest of the windows came crashing out of the walls at the same time. Torrents of rain flooded the living room and kitchen.

Making Schools More Fair, Welcoming, and Safe

Our writers asked tough questions about the issues they face at school. Here are New York City Schools Chancellor Porter’s positions on back-to-school Covid safety, New York City’s long history of education inequality, student vaccinations, and how to work successfully with a new mayor.

My Mixed Feelings About the Derek Chauvin Verdict

by Enoch Naklen

On May 25 of last year, the world mourned the death of George Floyd at the hands of now ex-Minneapolis police officer and convicted murderer Derek Chauvin. People around the world watched Chauvin brutally kneel on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds in a video recorded by a courageous teenage bystander named Darnella Frazier.

Not Just a Kid From the Projects

by Meagan Zullo

Growing up, I didn’t know that I came from a lower class. Once, I even had a birthday party at a Build-a-Bear workshop! My dad was a superintendent at a movie theater, and we often watched movies there and got popcorn for free.

How Is ACS Fighting Racism?

by Gabrielle Rodriguez

Gabrielle Rodriguez interviewed ACS Commissioner David Hansell on June 11, a few weeks after George Floyd’s murder sparked protests against police brutality and white supremacy around the world. Gabrielle Rodriguez: What does Black Lives Matter (BLM) mean to you? David Hansell: It starts with the work we do at ACS.