Mayor Mamdani Names 13 New Appointees to City Education Panel

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of 13 new members to the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) on July 29, 2026. The panel, which consists of 24 members representing neighborhoods across the five boroughs, serves as a governing board responsible for approving school contracts, implementing policy changes, and facilitating public engagement with parents, students, and educators.

The new appointees include a mix of returning members and newcomers with backgrounds in education, finance, and community advocacy. Among those named to the panel are Karla Cordero, an environmental justice advocate; Tariq Khan, a long-time MTA budget official; and Mehrain Mahdi, an education advocate and founder of a youth enrichment program. Other appointees include higher education administrators, former NYC public school officials, and community leaders from across the city.

In a statement, Mayor Mamdani emphasized that the panel plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the school system, noting that the board is intended to provide families and educators with a meaningful voice in decision-making processes. Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels echoed these sentiments, stating that the panel is a vital partner in the city's commitment to prioritizing student needs.

The appointments were finalized just before the panel’s inaugural meeting for the 2026-27 school year. The PEP’s responsibilities remain broad, covering the operational and strategic oversight of the city's public schools.

This administrative update follows earlier efforts by the current mayoral administration to expand educational infrastructure. On April 21, 2026, Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels officially opened a new early childhood education center in Downtown Brooklyn, marking a continued focus on early learning initiatives.