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NYC schools chancellor to resign earlier amid investigations into Adams administration, City Hall says
By
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Published Oct 2, 2024
Modified Oct 3, 2024
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Courtesy Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Published Oct 2, 2024
Modified Oct 3, 2024
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New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks will resign from his position earlier than previously stated, City Hall said Wednesday, with his last day now set for Oct. 16, and not Dec. 31, as previously announced.
The announcement comes just weeks after federal investigators seized his personal and work phones amid a sprawling investigation that has cast a shadow over Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Federal prosecutors indicted Adams last week on corruption charges, prompting Gov. Kathy Hochul to pressure the mayor to clean house.
A City Hall spokesperson said the change was made so newly-appointed Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos could “immediately begin executing her vision.”
“From day one, this administration has continued to prioritize the needs of our students. In advancing this mission, 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,” spokesperson Amaris Cockfield said in a statement. “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.”
But in a statement on Thursday, Banks said he was originally planning to stay on through the end of the year, as he had previously announced, before learning about the earlier departure date.
"The Mayor has decided to accelerate that timeline," he said. "My focus will be on supporting the incoming Chancellor as she assumes this new role and continues the great work that we have started at New York City Public Schools. I will do everything in my power to ensure that students and teachers do not experience any changes or disruptions during this transition."
The FBI took Banks’ devices on Sept. 4 during a search of the home he shares with his partner, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Authorities also raided the home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, who is David's brother, as part of an investigation reportedly centered on their youngest brother, Terence Banks, a retired MTA supervisor with ties to a newly founded government relations firm.
Reports indicated that federal prosecutors are examining potential bribery schemes related to Terence Banks and his company.
The schools chancellor’s departure comes after several other City Hall officials resigned amid a federal corruption investigation into Adams, who was indicted last week on charges of bribery and fraud.
The mayor pleaded not guilty to charges that he traded political favors for illegal campaign cash and more than $100,000 in lavish travel gifts during his initial appearance in federal court. He also filed a motion on Monday asking the court to dismiss a charge that the mayor accepted bribes from Turkish officials
David Banks announced his resignation on Sept. 24 in a statement, but provided no further details on his decision. In a press conference on Sept. 13, he expressed his commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation, saying, “I have always lived my life with integrity. Every day of my life.”
The city Department of Education did not comment and deferred to City Hall.
Jessica Gould contributed reporting.
This story has been updated with a statement from Schools Chancellor David Banks.
Tagged
new york city
education
Adams investigations
Politics
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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