What to Know
- Mayor Eric Adams is expected to announce a new NYC schools chief Wednesday; current chancellor David Banks submitted a letter with his retirement plans for Dec. 1, 2024
- Banks — along with his brother, Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, and fiancée Sheena Wright, who serves as a deputy mayor as well — was among City Hall officials to have devices seized as part of the multiple investigations swirling around City Hall in recent weeks
- The devices may have been seized as part of an investigation into whether a third Banks brother obtained city contracts. Neither David Banks, Phil Banks nor Mayor Adams has been accused of any wrongdoing
New York City Schools Chief to Retire
Mayor Eric Adams is expected to announce a new head of New York City schools to oversee the largest public district in the country on Wednesday, a day after news broke that the current chancellor plans to retire at the end of the year.
A high-ranking city official says Deputy Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos will take the helm. Adams is expected to make the announcement later in the day. The first day for Aviles-Ramos, who previously served as Banks’ chief of staff before her current position, would be January 1.
Chancellor David Banks’ Retirement
Banks, who previously had run a network of boys’ schools, was named the schools chancellor in 2022 by Adams. He informed the mayor on Tuesday that he would be retiring effective December 31, 2024.
Banks said he had told Adams ahead of the start of the school year that he would be retiring, and the letter was submitted Tuesday.
Investigations Surrounding City Hall
Banks — along with his brother, Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, and fiancée Sheena Wright, who serves as a deputy mayor as well — was among City Hall officials to have devices seized as part of the multiple investigations swirling around City Hall in recent weeks.
The devices may have been seized as part of an investigation into whether a third Banks brother obtained city contracts.
Mayor’s Response to Investigations
When asked Tuesday about mounting concerns that someone could be charged as soon as this week, the mayor did not dissuade those concerns.
“I’m not going to do this daily reporting, I said that before,” he said at a press conference while responding to a question over whether his defense attorneys have made a last-minute appeal to investigators to avoid charges, known as innocence proffer.
“My legal team is managing the legal strategy for the investigation. Let them handle their job,” the mayor said.
Conclusion
The departure of Chancellor David Banks and the ongoing investigations surrounding City Hall have raised questions about the future of the New York City schools system. The announcement of a new schools chief is expected to bring some stability to the district, but the ongoing investigations will likely continue to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Q: Why is Chancellor David Banks retiring?
A: Chancellor David Banks has submitted his retirement letter, effective December 31, 2024.
Q: Who will replace Chancellor David Banks?
A: Deputy Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos is expected to take the helm as the new head of New York City schools, with her first day set for January 1.
Q: What is the reason for the investigations surrounding City Hall?
A: The investigations are looking into whether a third Banks brother obtained city contracts, and whether other City Hall officials were involved.
Q: Has anyone been accused of wrongdoing?
A: No, neither David Banks, Phil Banks, nor Mayor Adams has been accused of any wrongdoing.
Q: Will the investigations affect the New York City schools system?
A: The ongoing investigations may bring some uncertainty to the schools system, but the announcement of a new schools chief is expected to bring some stability to the district.
