NYC Schools Chancellor’s Personal Life Comes to Light Amid Transition
In a revelation that adds a personal dimension to the city’s education leadership transition, NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos has been engaged in what her spokesperson describes as “a loving relationship” with Julian Sepulveda, the 33-year-old son of influential Bronx state Senator Luis Sepulveda. This connection has emerged as significant while Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani deliberates on his choice for the city’s education leader. The timing is particularly noteworthy as Aviles-Ramos, who has held the $426,280-a-year position since September 2024 after replacing David Banks, has expressed her desire to continue in this critical role under the new administration. The relationship, which sources say predates her divorce filing from former husband Samuel Ramos in early 2023, creates an interesting dynamic as Senator Sepulveda—who would naturally be an advocate for Aviles-Ramos—now finds himself in a position where he cannot openly lobby Mamdani on her behalf due to the personal connection.
The personal story of Aviles-Ramos, who has frequently described herself to the press as “a single mom,” reflects the complex intersections between professional and private lives in public service. According to DOE spokeswoman Nicole Brownstein, the chancellor and Sepulveda have been in “a loving relationship for a few years now.” While sources suggest their relationship began before her divorce filing, the chancellor’s ex-husband’s attorney, J.C. Polanco, maintains there was no impropriety, explaining that the couple had already “drifted apart and broke up” prior to any formal proceedings. “There was no affair, no misconduct, and nothing beyond two adults moving forward with their lives,” Polanco stated, adding that they “remain close friends and committed co-parents” to their daughter. The divorce was finalized in May 2023, just five months after filing in Jefferson County, a location chosen perhaps for its efficiency in processing uncontested divorces.
The professional trajectory of Julian Sepulveda intertwines with Aviles-Ramos’ career in interesting ways. In February 2022, shortly after David Banks became chancellor, Sepulveda was appointed director of state legislative affairs at the Department of Education, a position that paid $97,912 annually. At that time, Aviles-Ramos was serving as a deputy superintendent of Bronx high schools, several steps removed from the chancellor position she would eventually hold. Sepulveda left the DOE after eight months, though DOE spokeswoman Brownstein firmly denies this departure was connected to his relationship with the then-married Aviles-Ramos. Instead, she characterized his move as a “way better job” opportunity as deputy director of intergovernmental affairs under State Attorney General Letitia James, where his starting salary of $99,883 has since grown to $112,085 according to payroll records.
Senator Luis Sepulveda’s position adds another layer of complexity to this situation. When Adams appointed Aviles-Ramos as chancellor in September 2024, the senator publicly celebrated her selection, posting on social media: “Congratulations to my dear friend and colleague Melissa Aviles-Ramos on being named the next NYC Schools Chancellor! As the highest-ranking Latina leader in NYC Public Schools, her experience, dedication, and Bronx roots will serve our students and families well. I’m looking forward to working closely with her!” Notably absent from this enthusiastic endorsement was any mention of her personal connection to his son. Now, as Mamdani considers his options for chancellor, Senator Sepulveda finds himself in an awkward position. His spokesman, Mike Nieves, has indicated that while the senator will not “actively” lobby Mamdani’s transition team on Aviles-Ramos’ behalf, “If he’s asked, he’ll have something to say.”
The relationship between Aviles-Ramos and Julian Sepulveda appears to have been something of an open secret in educational circles before becoming public knowledge. A former DOE official characterized it as “a big open secret,” noting that “Everybody knew she was with Julian.” Evidence of their relationship reportedly dates back to September 2022, when Julian posted a selfie on his now-deleted Facebook page showing Aviles-Ramos leaning against his chest during a trip to Puerto Rico—months before she officially filed for divorce from her husband. This timeline has raised questions about the nature and beginning of their relationship, though representatives for both Aviles-Ramos and her ex-husband maintain there was no impropriety.
As Mayor-elect Mamdani weighs his decision for who will lead the nation’s largest school system, Aviles-Ramos has been open about her desire to continue in her role. “I’m a New York City public school mom. It’s important to me that the system runs well,” she told reporters after meeting with Mamdani at a mosque during the SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico this month. She also expressed to The New York Times that “If I’m given the opportunity, of course I would be grateful.” The chancellor position represents one of the most significant appointments in any mayoral administration, overseeing the education of approximately one million students across the city. While Aviles-Ramos’ qualifications and performance will undoubtedly be primary considerations in Mamdani’s decision-making process, the public disclosure of her personal relationship with the son of a prominent state lawmaker adds an unexpected dimension to the transition period, highlighting how the personal and professional are often inseparably intertwined in public service.
