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By: Jordan Baker
In an exclusive report from the New York Post, New York City parents have heavily criticized the new schools chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and her recently concluded five-borough “listening tour.” Parents described the initiative as a superficial “PR stunt,” citing an overreliance on “buzzwords” and “political agendas” instead of substantive engagement.
According to NY Post, the tour, which began in late November and wrapped up last week in Staten Island, was designed to foster dialogue with school communities following Aviles-Ramos’ rapid ascent to the position. Her appointment came after David Banks’ sudden resignation, leaving parents questioning the direction of the nation’s largest school system.
While the Department of Education (DOE) promoted the events as structured discussions on special education, curriculum, and mental health, parents who attended told The Post they left feeling “muzzled” and “less informed.”
Queens parent Charlie Vavruska told The Post, “Most of the speakers sounded like they were characters from a dystopian novel. All I heard were the same buzzwords or people’s political agendas.”
Bronx parent Deb Alexander shared her skepticism with The Post, stating she opted out of attending because the events felt “highly curated.” Feedback from others only confirmed her doubts. “Engagement isn’t just listening; it’s a two-way street,” she told The Post.
In response to these concerns, Aviles-Ramos defended the initiative in an exclusive sit-down interview with The Post, calling the tour an “initial step.” She admitted, “We’re not perfect. We’re trying to get it right and will find more authentic and creative ways for parents to share their voices.”
According to The Post, DOE staffers often outnumbered parents and students at the sessions. Attendees were split into groups, with questions pre-screened and reformulated by facilitators. Only Manhattan’s session included a Q&A, which attendees described to The Post as “the most scripted” and having “the least engagement.”
One Brooklyn parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Post she regretted attending. “Why did I come all this way?” she lamented, explaining that her question about the math curriculum was dismissed.
In its exclusive coverage, The Post revealed that the structure of the sessions was quietly adjusted after Brooklyn’s session, with later events eliminating Q&A entirely. Instead, parents could only provide single comments, which DOE officials promised to address at an unspecified date.
Aviles-Ramos brushed off criticism of the format, explaining to The Post, “Of course, the structure doesn’t allow for every single person to ask a question.”
Parents expressed further frustration to The Post, saying they feel “left in the dark” about the chancellor’s plans following Banks’ departure. Queens parent Phil Wong told The Post, “All chancellors have these listening tours. They take notes, but how much of it actually gets done? History shows only a small set of problems will ever be addressed.”
The Post highlighted the backdrop of leadership turmoil, including Banks’ abrupt removal by Mayor Eric Adams amid accusations of undermining city leadership and mishandling key initiatives.
As the New York Post exclusively reported, parents remain skeptical about whether the tour will lead to meaningful changes.
