NYC Public Schools Hosts Annual Legislative Breakfast at Monroe for Bronx Leadership and Local Elected Officials

Monroe University was proud to welcome New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) and elected officials from across the Bronx for the annual NYCPS Legislative Breakfast—an event that brought together more than 100 attendees, including NYCPS Chancellor Melissa Ramos, local superintendents, more than 70 local school principals, and Bronx high school students. 

Among the first to greet arriving guests was Monroe student Kenneth Teeteh, a Business Management major and graduate of Bronx River High School. Kenneth’s energy and enthusiasm -- shared by fellow student greeters who also graduated from local high schools -- helped set a welcoming tone for the morning. 

“I’m here to say hello to people and share the energy and love with everyone who is attending this event,” said Kenneth. 

Held this year in the Mintz Auditorium on our Bronx campus, the NYCPS Legislative Breakfast gives Bronx high school leaders and their elected officials an opportunity to connect, build relationships, and discuss the shared goal of improving educational outcomes in the borough. 

Chancellor Ramos said these kinds of events are critical to fortifying relationships with legislators and amongst high school leadership. 

"I've spent quite a bit of time up in Albany and I’m heartened to see the way our state elected officials fight for us and prioritize education and truly make it their business to understand all the different pieces of school leadership and how we work together,” said Chancellor Ramos. “Our elected officials, many of whom do not have school leadership backgrounds, always sit down and give me the time of day to hear how these changes would help us or hurt us. Our city and state folks are really here for us.”  

Bronx superintendents echoed that sentiment. 

“It’s important that our students never feel disenfranchised, and that’s why we do this [event] and strengthen our partnerships with our elected officials,” said Carl Manalo, High School Superintendent for Bronx High Schools Districts 7, 9 and 12.  

“So when I think about our vision for Bronx High Schools, I think about how do we make sure that those the same opportunities [as private schools], are there for our young people, and tuition free,” said Marcel Deans, High School Superintendent for Bronx High Schools Districts 8, 10, and 11. 

The program also featured student performances that showcased the creativity and talent of Bronx youth. Dance routines and musical numbers earned standing ovations and added a vibrant touch to the morning’s discussions. 

For Celso Alvarez, Assistant Vice President of High School Enrollment at Monroe and a proud Bronx native, the event held personal meaning. 

“I was born, raised, and educated in the Bronx. I’m also a proud graduate of CUNY and Lehman College,” Alvarez said. “It’s powerful to see so many outstanding Bronx principals gathered in one place. I know the impact they have on our community.” 

Chancellor Ramos also talked fondly of her time while at Monroe University, where she previously served as Vice President, and offered high praise for the institution. 

“I came to my second home, which is Monroe. It was very hard for me to leave the New York City Public Schools because, as you know, that’s the only home I know. It was important to me that I need to be in a place where they were going to love our humans the way we do,” Chancellor Ramos said.  “So when I say the amazing first year admissions folks, the admissions folks who are helping with the application process, they’re taking care of the kids, they’re making the phone calls, they’re making sure kids that kids are coming to class. They're are always asking the right questions, like, ‘what’s keeping you from class?’ and ‘what do we need to do to get you to class?’ and that’s the type of environment as principals that we want to associate ourselves with.” 

It was a wonderful event for all who participated.