Mayor Mamdani Appointed Alan Ong as PEP Chairperson

The appointment aims to enhance board independence through a selection process involving state-level officials.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Administration

Mayor Mamdani Appointed Alan Ong as PEP Chairperson

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Alan Ong to serve as the chairperson of the New York City Panel for Educational Policy. Ong, a board member since 2022, succeeds former chair Greg Faulkner following the conclusion of his term in September 2026.

Why it matters

The chairperson role was established by the state to foster greater independence for the board from the mayor. By requiring mayoral selections to originate from a pool of candidates narrowed by Albany officials, the process seeks to balance oversight.

The New York City Panel for Educational Policy consists of 24 total members, 13 of whom are appointed directly by the mayor. Previously, Alan Ong abstained from voting on an $82 million temporary staffing contract during the Adams administration.

The players

Alan Ong

He is the newly appointed chairperson of the New York City Panel for Educational Policy and a former president of the Community Education Council of District 26.

Zohran Mamdani

He is the Mayor of New York City responsible for making appointments to the education panel.

Greg Faulkner

He is the former chairperson of the Panel for Educational Policy whose term concluded in September 2026.

Nily Rozic

She is an Assembly Member who currently employs Alan Ong as her chief of staff.

The details

Ong currently serves as chief of staff to Assembly Member Nily Rozic and previously led the Community Education Council of District 26. His appointment followed a nomination process involving state Senate and Assembly leaders alongside the chancellor of the state Board of Regents.

Alan Ong was first appointed to the board in 2022.
Mayoral control of schools was extended for two years in 2024.
Mayor Mamdani reappointed Ong to the board in July 2026.
Greg Faulkner spoke at a board meeting in August 2026.
Greg Faulkner's term ended in September 2026.

Culture Shift

The appointment follows the structural framework established by the New York State mayoral control of schools, which dictates board membership and oversight. This transition reflects a broader shift toward balancing executive authority with independent review in municipal education governance.

Residents and parents can expect a shift in leadership dynamics regarding school policy decisions that affect daily classroom operations. The new chair will oversee contract reviews and staffing decisions, which directly influence how educational services are delivered in local districts.

The takeaway

Ong is expected to provide a steady hand for the board as it navigates complex budgetary and contractual challenges. The appointment marks a new chapter for the panel as it attempts to maintain independence under the existing mayoral control statutes.