'It should raise eyebrows': Former Chancellor Aviles-Ramos takes job at firm with deep roots in NYC

"In my new role at HMH, I will spend time engaging with leaders in large districts across the country, listening to their experiences and learning from their challenges to inform how HMH supports districts at scale. My role will be advisory, forward-looking, and focused on developing insights on best practices for impact and implementation."

"They're a provider for one of the most widely used reading curricula in the City of New York. At the very least, I think it should raise eyebrows."

"HMH, formerly known as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, gained traction in New York City under former Mayor Eric Adams' signature initiative to standardize elementary school reading curriculums. Although city officials approved three reading programs, HMH is required in 22 of the city's 32 local districts - owing in part to a savvy marketing strategy that allowed schools to use some materials at no charge during the pandemic."

Melissa Aviles-Ramos, former New York City schools Chancellor, accepted a senior advisor position at HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), a major education company. She began her role as "executive in residence for innovation and analytics" on Monday. HMH is a significant provider of reading curriculum materials to NYC public schools, particularly under former Mayor Eric Adams' initiative to standardize elementary reading programs. The company supplies required materials to 22 of the city's 32 local districts. Aviles-Ramos's transition to HMH has drawn criticism from parents, teachers, and education experts who view it as a potential conflict of interest, given HMH's substantial business relationship with the city's public school system.

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