We kicked off 2026 with a single question poll: What should Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Chancellor Kamar Samuels prioritize in 2026 to strengthen NYC Public Schools?

More than 300 people responded, selecting their top three priorities for NYC Public Schools.

Academics for the win!

The results were loud and clear: Stronger academics, smaller classes, and targeted student supports are what’s needed most.

  • Stronger literacy and math instruction emerged as the top concern, selected by 43% of respondents.
  • Smaller class sizes came in a close second, chosen by 39%.
  • High-impact tutoring and academic recovery ranked third with 27%.
  • Better supports for students with disabilities (26%) and improving school buildings and facilities (25%) rounded out the top five priorities.

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Respondents had plenty to say

More than 100 parents, educators, and community members also shared thoughtful comments. Many emphasized academic rigor, student well-being and safety.

Here are some of the ideas they shared:

Academics

• Raise standards. Students should not graduate without mastering core skills.
• Improve math instruction. Too many students lose interest early and are unprepared for high school math — let alone advanced or college-level courses.
• Improve attendance so students can fully benefit from instruction.
• Expand SAT prep and college and career advisory courses in high school
• Ensure advanced coursework and college prep are available in all schools, not just those with selective admissions.
• Expand gifted and talented programs, including more options in neighborhood schools.
• Increase arts education and enrichment opportunities.
• Expand career and technical education.

Learning environment

• Smaller classes are essential for individualized attention.
• Overcrowded classrooms encourage disengagement and exacerbate behavior challenges.
• Increase instructional time.

Help for struggling students

• Saturday and after-school tutoring for all students who need it.
• Recruit high-performing high school students to tutor younger students after school, on weekends, and during the summer — and pay them a stipend.
• Offer tutoring that addresses both academic gaps and social-emotional challenges that undermine learning.
• Ensure additional academic support does not come at the expense of arts and enrichment. Help should never be punitive.

Mental health, nutrition, and well-being

• Hire more school psychologists, social workers, and counselors; current caseloads are unmanageable.
• Add programs to curb vaping and substance use.
• Provide more support for students with serious behavioral challenges.
• Improve school food quality and ensure students have adequate time to eat.
• Expand physical education, movement, outdoor play, and play-based learning.

Student safety

• Establish clear, enforceable discipline policies that are applied fairly.
• Improve training and support for school staff to address disruptive behavior.
• Increase communication, transparency, and accountability when incidents occur.

Students with disabilities

• Ensure students’ talents and strengths are recognized and that they do not receive a watered-down curriculum.
• Help students thrive in the least restrictive environment by increasing paraprofessional support, tutoring, and small-group or individualized instruction.

Healthy, functional learning spaces

• Improve indoor air quality by investing in air purifiers and better ventilation.
• Expand the use of green energy, such as rooftop solar panels.
• Update and redesign school facilities to create more welcoming and productive learning spaces.

Strengthen school-family relationships

• Bring back in-person parent-teacher conferences.
• Listen to families and involve them in decision-making.

Help for newcomer and housing-insecure students

• Provide free and more efficient transportation options.
• Improve coordination among schools, agencies, and the Office of Pupil Transportation.
• Offer culturally responsive support for immigrant and newcomer families to build trust.

What do you think is most needed for the city’s public schools and families in 2026?

Share your thoughts in the comments.