NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels Faces Scrutiny Over $180K Improper Contract
NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels signed improper $180K contract with unapproved vendor — and let his deputy take the fall
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NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels signed a $180,000 no-bid contract with an unapproved vendor while superintendent. The investigation revealed a cover-up, with his deputy taking the blame. Despite evidence implicating him, Samuels remains unscathed, raising concerns over accountability in the Department of Education.
- 01Kamar Samuels signed an improper $180,000 contract with vendor Sean Kreyling while superintendent.
- 02The investigation report by the Special Commissioner of Investigation did not mention Samuels, focusing instead on his deputy, Mariela Graham.
- 03Graham was recommended for termination but received only a two-week suspension and later a senior role at the DOE.
- 04The contracts were structured to evade procurement rules by splitting payments to avoid oversight.
- 05City Councilman Phil Wong has called for an independent audit of DOE contracting practices in light of these revelations.
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Kamar Samuels, the NYC Schools Chancellor, is under scrutiny for signing an improper $180,000 no-bid contract with an unapproved vendor, Sean Kreyling, during his tenure as superintendent of District 3. An investigation by the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) revealed that Samuels and his deputy, Mariela Graham, conspired to bypass Department of Education (DOE) procurement rules by splitting payments to Kreyling’s companies to evade oversight. While Graham has been blamed and received a two-week suspension, she was later appointed to a senior position within the DOE, raising questions about accountability. The report did not mention Samuels, leading to allegations of a cover-up. City Councilman Phil Wong has expressed deep concern over the findings and is demanding a thorough investigation into the DOE's contracting practices. The situation highlights systemic issues within the DOE, including vendor check-splitting and procurement violations that have reportedly cost the department millions.
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The improper contracting practices may lead to financial losses for the DOE and affect the quality of services provided to students.
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