NYC Schools Chief David Banks to Resign Amid Federal Probes

David Banks, the leader of New York City's public school system, has announced his intention to step down from his position at the conclusion of 2023. This decision comes as federal authorities conduct investigations involving several high-ranking officials in Mayor Eric Adams' administration.

The announcement follows recent events where federal agents confiscated Banks' electronic devices, along with those belonging to other prominent city officials, including the police commissioner, two deputy mayors, and a key advisor to Adams. Earlier in September 2024, Police Commissioner Edward Caban also tendered his resignation.

In his retirement letter, Banks stated that he had informed the mayor of his plans to depart during the summer, after ensuring a smooth start to the academic year. Banks, who has an extensive background in education, has been at the helm of the nation's largest public school system since Adams assumed office in 2022.

The New York City public school system, established in 1842, serves over 1 million students across more than 1,800 schools. With an annual budget exceeding $30 billion and a workforce of approximately 75,000 teachers, it stands as the largest educational system in the United States. The system offers a diverse range of programs, including bilingual education in over 100 languages and specialized high schools like Stuyvesant and Bronx Science.

Banks' career in education spans decades, beginning as a teacher before progressing to principal and eventually founding the Eagle Academy in 2004. This network of schools, which now includes six locations across New York City and one in Newark, New Jersey, focuses on educating young Black and Latino boys who Banks believed were underserved by the traditional educational system.

The ongoing federal investigations have not been publicly discussed by prosecutors. However, the probes have led to the seizure of devices belonging to all three Banks brothers, including Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, and Terence Banks, who operates a consulting firm.

"Employees and staffers come and go. Very few remain throughout an entire term."

Adams, who became the 110th mayor of New York City and the second African American to hold this position in 2022, expressed gratitude for Banks' achievements during his tenure. The mayor dismissed concerns about a potential exodus from his administration due to the federal inquiries.

It's worth noting that the average tenure for a New York City schools chancellor is approximately 2.5 years. During Banks' leadership, the school system maintained its commitment to initiatives such as universal pre-K, implemented in 2014, and continued to serve about 850,000 meals daily to students.

As the city's education system faces this transition, it will be crucial to maintain the progress made in recent years, including the current graduation rate of about 78%. The next chancellor will inherit the challenges and opportunities of leading one of the most diverse and complex school systems in the world.