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Light on Achievements, Carranza No Bonanza

By RICHARD STEIER
Posted 3/4/21

Richard Carranza will step down as Schools Chancellor March 15, leaving behind promises of greater diversity and upgraded opportunities for students of color that were not fulfilled, undercut by zealous rhetoric that backfired and lofty goals that took precedence over improving the school system in the areas where it was weakest.

He became a lightning rod as the boldest face of the progressivism that Mayor de Blasio espoused for his administration but backed away from embracing once he saw opposition gathering. In recent months, that divergence reportedly led to increased tensions between the two men, which was likely to have been as much a factor in Mr. Carranza's departure—at a time when the school system remains in flux because of the coronavirusas his grief over the loss of 11 family members and friends due to the pandemic.

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