Speaker Heastie Statement on Election of Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr. as Board of Regents Chancellor

I would like to extend my congratulations to Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr. on his election as chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, and applaud the Board of Regents for this excellent and groundbreaking choice. Chancellor Young, who will be the first African American to serve in the role, has a long and illustrious career in New York schools. His experience as a teacher, guidance counselor, special education supervisor, principal and superintendent in New York City schools gives him unique insight into the on the ground operation of our schools and the needs of our students and our teachers.

Chancellor Young has been an advocate for the most vulnerable and at-risk students in our schools. I was able to see that leadership in action as he and I both fought to bring President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper program here to New York. We succeeded and were the first state in the nation to implement the program, which seeks to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color. I look forward to working with Chancellor Young as we address the challenges our schools and our students are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure every student, regardless of zip code or socio-economic status, has access to a quality education that will set them on the path for a successful future.