New York City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced that he is stepping down after nearly three years in his post.

Mayor Bill de Blasio commended Carranza for the work he accomplished in striving for equality in education for all students across the city.

The mayor also applauded the work the chancellor has done during the pandemic, such as getting schools back up and running and making sure families have access to the virtual learning tools they need.

During the announcement, Carranza got emotional while taking about the loss he personally experienced during the pandemic and how he hopes to take time to grieve.

"I am a New Yorker, while not by birth, by choice," Carranza said. "A New Yorker who has lost 11 family and close friends to this pandemic. I feel that I can a take that time now because of the place that we are in and the work we have done together."

Carranza called his decision bittersweet, saying his mission coming into the position was to lift up all public school students across the city, and that he feels he accomplished that with the help of colleagues he says are the most dedicated he's worked with.

Carranza also spoke in Spanish to Latino families, and he had words for Latino students. He said if he was able to accomplish becoming chancellor of New York City schools, any Latino student can accomplish the same and much more.

The mayor has appointed Bronx Executive Superintendent Meisha Ross-Porter as the next New York City Schools chancellor.

The United Federation of Teachers issued a statement on the news:

“Richard Carranza was a real partner in our efforts to open school safely. Too often he had to fight behind the scenes to keep the needs of students, staff and their families ahead of politics. We wish him well. He will be missed. We have successfully partnered with Meisha Ross Porter on projects in the past, including the Bronx Plan and expanding community schools. We look forward to working with her in the future.”