Schools Chancellor David Banks to Step Down Earlier Than Expected
Schools Chancellor David Banks will step down from his post on October 16, more than two months earlier than he originally planned — apparently at the request of the embattled Mayor Eric Adams.
City Hall Announces Banks’ Departure
City Hall announced Banks’ hastened departure on Wednesday night. In a statement to amNewYork Metro, City Hall praised Banks’ leadership, but indicated that “it became clear that our students will be best served by having the same leadership through as much of the school year as possible, rather than changing chancellors halfway through.”
New Chancellor Appointed
“We have decided to accelerate the start date of Chancellor Aviles-Ramos to October 16 so that she can immediately begin executing on her vision for New York City Public Schools,” the statement continued. “Chancellor Aviles-Ramos is a lifelong educator and public school veteran whose talent, experience, and compassion will lead the school system well through this next chapter. We thank Chancellor Banks for his service to the city and nearly one million public school children.”
Banks’ Original Plan
Banks first announced his retirement in September, but said he would stay on through December 31. According to multiple media reports, however, Adams asked Banks to leave this month instead. The Department of Education neither confirmed nor denied the report.
Circulated Statement
A circulated statement from the outgoing chancellor, however, seems to confirm the reports. In the statement, apparently shared via a public relations firm, Banks said he was “ready, willing and able to stay in my post until December 31,” but that “the mayor has decided to accelerate that timeline.”
Federal Investigations
The announcement came weeks after the FBI seized Banks’ and his partner, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright’s, phones on September 4 as part of a seemingly never-ending series of federal probes into Mayor Eric Adams and close members of his administration.
Banks’ Retirement
Banks’ retirement comes after Adams’ infamous indictment on bribery and other charges last month, as well as the resignations of several high-profile staffers at City Hall in recent weeks, including former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg, and Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan.
Conclusion
The departure of Schools Chancellor David Banks marks a significant shift in the leadership of New York City’s public school system. While the reasons for his departure are unclear, it is evident that the ongoing federal investigations into Mayor Eric Adams and his administration have had a significant impact on the city’s leadership.
FAQs
Q: Why is Schools Chancellor David Banks stepping down?
A: Banks is stepping down at the request of Mayor Eric Adams, who apparently wants to accelerate the start date of the new chancellor, Aviles-Ramos.
Q: When will Aviles-Ramos take over as schools chancellor?
A: Aviles-Ramos will take over as schools chancellor on October 16.
Q: What is the reason for the acceleration of the start date?
A: According to City Hall, it is to ensure that students have the same leadership throughout the school year.
Q: What is the current status of the federal investigations into Mayor Eric Adams and his administration?
A: The investigations are ongoing, with federal prosecutors potentially facing more criminal charges against Mayor Adams on top of existing bribery, soliciting foreign campaign donations, and wire fraud charges.
