To our New York City Public Schools principals, educators, staff, families, and students:   Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!   I can’t wait for what the year will bring.

Last night, New York City Public Schools experienced a disruption to our identity management environment, resulting in login issues for users, including staff and students.  The authentication service disruption affecting NYCPS systems has been resolved as of this morning.

escaping the permanent underclass with @pridesai

In the interest of uninterrupted service and public trust, we urge all parties to reject tactics that circumvent transparent, democratic processes and to keep the focus where it belongs, on the needs of our students and families.

The timing and pursuit of a five-year extension for school bus contracts, coming just weeks before a major citywide election, effectively bypasses the oversight of voters and elected officials who manage these vital services.

Recent reports that bus companies are contemplating mass layoffs if they do not receive a five-year contract is deeply upsetting and an act of bad faith.

Emergency extension contracts have already been sent to bus companies to ensure service continues beyond October 31, as has been long planned.

We are also making information available to our families and school communities regarding options in case of bus companies ceasing to run routes.

Though we have not received any formal notice of mass layoffs by busing companies, we are working diligently and proactively to ensure alternative transportation services are in place, should they be needed.

Ensuring that our students can get to and from school safely, where they receive critical resources and a world class education, is a top priority for our city. 🧵

Thank you for helping us keep our schools safe and for instilling our NYCPS values, including #RespectForAll, in our children.

Every member of our community deserves safety, dignity, and respect. If you have an incident to report, contact our Anti-Hate Hotline, available Monday–Friday from 8 AM–6 PM: 718-935-2889

Now that we’ve started the school year, I want to emphasize the type of environment we expect to see across our schools: one of respect, inclusion, and kindness. At @NYCSchools, we have zero tolerance for hate, bullying, or bias of any kind.

As required by state law, personal internet-enabled devices—like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart watches—cannot be used by students during the school day.

REMINDER: New York City Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 20 in observance of #Diwali. https://t.co/H1Pku7klbw

Learn more:

Thank you to P.S. 331K and Principal Lisa Lin for hosting us.   And thank you to P.S. 372K and Principal Rosa Amato.

Thank you to Deputy Chancellor Christina Foti and Chief Dr. Brenda García, who are championing this work.   Thank you to our Multilingual Advisory Council for sharing their time, expertise, and lived experiences.

We’ve already started incorporating these recommendations.   This year, NYC Reads includes standardized curricula for ELLs served in standalone English as a New Language in 80 schools.   More NYCPS students than ever are graduating with the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.

3. Promote a culture of inclusion and belonging for multilingual and immigrant students and families. 4. Foster multilingual and immigrant family and community leadership and advocacy.   5. Recognize multilingualism as a core competency for college, career, and civic readiness.

1. Ensure high-quality pathways to multilingualism with equitable access for English Language Learners. 2. Strengthen and expand a culturally and linguistically responsive workforce.

I’m thrilled to share five key priorities from our Multilingual Advisory Council’s report, meant to guide us as we create and maintain high-quality multilingual learning for all students.