October 9, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PLACE NYC Endorses City Council Candidates Committed to Rigorous Education in NYC Public Schools
New York, NY – Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education (PLACE NYC), a citywide education advocacy group of parent volunteers dedicated to advancing academic rigor in NYC public education, announced its endorsements for the November 4, 2025, City Council elections.
“We are proud to endorse candidates for their bold commitments to strengthen education policies that prioritize accelerated learning, preserve and expand Gifted & Talented programs, and ensure every child has access to challenging curricula tailored to their needs,” said Yiatin Chu, co-president of PLACE NYC. “These endorsements reflect our mission to elevate academic rigor across all NYC schools, from early grades through high school,” Chu added. In an era when our students face unprecedented challenges, we need leaders who reject watered-down standards and champion excellence for learners at every level. Our endorsed candidates have demonstrated a clear understanding of these priorities through their platforms, public statements, and records of support for merit-based education.
Endorsed Candidates
Allie Ryan (District 2, Manhattan): Ryan’s platform strongly supports merit-based education, including the preservation of Gifted & Talented programs, honors tracks, and the SHSAT for specialized high school admissions. As a long-time advocate for curriculum reform to address knowledge gaps, she is committed to ensuring all students have pathways to accelerated learning opportunities.
Kyle Athayde (District 4, Manhattan): Athayde brings a fresh perspective to education policy, emphasizing greater access to advanced programs and community-driven reforms. As a product of NYC’s Gifted and Talented program, he credits accelerated education to where he is today, and why he will be very aggressive about their continuation and growth.
Vickie Paladino (Re-election: District 19, Queens): As a vocal champion for quality education in Northeast Queens, Paladino prioritizes funding programs and backing policies that enhance academic standards and support for high-achieving students. She takes pride in making sure that parents always know what is going on in their children’s schools.
Sandra Ung (Re-election: District 20, Queens): Ung has demonstrated strong support for education infrastructure, including securing funding for new schools and celebrating athletic achievements that highlight the value of well-resourced programs. Her work to expand access to quality education in Flushing and surrounding areas makes her a key ally for accelerated learning initiatives.
Lynn Schulman (Re-election: District 29, Queens): As a member of the Committee for Education, Schulman has fought to combat school bullying, support music and arts programs, support Gifted & Talented expansion, and enhance opportunities for youth. Her progressive yet practical approach ensures rigorous curricula are inclusive and accessible for every student.
Phil Wong (District 30, Queens): As former President of the Community Education Council for District 24 and Budget Director for Council Member Robert Holden, Wong has been a tireless advocate for maintaining the SHSAT, expanding Gifted & Talented programs, and prioritizing parental involvement in education policy. His endorsement by PLACE NYC earlier this year reaffirms his leadership in fostering academic excellence.
Susan Zhuang (Re-election: District 43, Brooklyn): Zhuang’s commitment to investing in education as a cornerstone of community strength includes expanding resources for advanced programs in Southern Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods. Her passionate support for SHSAT, G&T and afterschool programs aligns with the needs of her district of new immigrants and multigenerational New York families.
George Sarantopoulos (District 47, Brooklyn): Sarantopoulos advocates for practical reforms that bolster public education, including auditing city spending to redirect funds toward high-impact programs like accelerated curricula and teacher training. His business acumen and community focus make him a strong voice for merit-driven education policies.
These leaders understand that our public schools should challenge every student to reach their full potential—not lowering the bar for some to the detriment of all. Voters have until October 25, 2025 to register to vote at e-register.vote.nyc. Voting can be done with a mail-in ballot can be requested at requestballot.vote.nyc/earlymail today, or by voting early from October 25 through November 2 or voting on Election Day which is November 4.
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