The head of New York City’s school system is stepping down in a few weeks.
Richard Carranza struggled to hold back tears as he mentioned he has 11 family members and close friends he has lost to Covid-19.
He was asked, though, if his departure was connected to disagreements with the mayor on education policy. “I am leaving because I need to take care of me. I need time to grieve. This city, this school system, deserves a chancellor who 100% is taking up the helm," he said.
The current superintendent in the Bronx, Meisha Porter, will take over, becoming the first Black woman to hold the job. “I am ready to hit the ground running and lead New York City schools to full recovery," she said.