NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks to retire months earlier than planned
NEW YORK — New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks will be retiring over two months earlier than originally planned.
A City Hall spokesperson said incoming chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos will now start in just two weeks, on Oct. 16.
When Banks announced his retirement in September, he said he would be leaving on Dec. 31. Mayor Eric Adams "decided to accelerate that timeline," Banks said.
Here is Banks' full statement:
"Last week, I announced my planned retirement, and I was ready, willing and able to stay in my post until December 31st to conduct a responsible transition for our staff. The Mayor has decided to accelerate that timeline. 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. I remain deeply grateful to the children and families of New York City whom I've had the great privilege of serving these past 40 years."
Thursday, Adams said, "To have both Melissa and David there at the same time, it didn't bring the stability that we wanted. Not only the stability, but how the DOE feels. It's a good time for her not to come on board at the middle of the school year but at the beginning of the school year," Adams said.
In a previous statement, a City Hall spokesperson told CBS News New York:
"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. We have decided to accelerate the start date of Chancellor Aviles-Ramos to October 16th so that she can immediately begin executing on her vision for New York City Public Schools. 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 retiring amid federal investigation
Officials say Banks told the mayor earlier this year that he wanted to retire, but the announcement came amid a federal investigation into Mayor Eric Adams and a number of top city officials.
On Sept. 4, federal agents raided the home Banks shares with his partner First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and seized both of their phones.
Before Banks announced his retirement, Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan announced his resignation, and earlier in September, Edward Caban resigned from his position as commissioner of the New York City Police Department.