NYC schools chancellor will retire 2 months early, says Adams has 'decided to accelerate' his departure

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – David Banks will step down as New York City schools chancellor on Oct. 16—months earlier than his initially planned December retirement, he and other officials confirmed Thursday.

In a statement, Banks said the mayor “accelerated” the timeline for his departure, and Mayor Adams confirmed the decision to the media outside a synagogue Thursday.

"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," Banks 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. 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."

Around the same time Banks released his statement, Adams told reporters it’s a time for “real stability” and that having Banks and his replacement, deputy chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, on simultaneously “didn't bring the stability that we wanted.”

“It's a good time for her to not come on board in the middle of the school year, but at the beginning of the school year,” the mayor added.

In a statement, City Hall echoed the mayor’s sentiment: "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," a statement from City Hall read.

The transition comes amid growing scrutiny of Banks, 62, who is currently involved in a federal corruption investigation. Earlier this month, authorities seized Banks' phone as part of a probe into alleged bid-rigging for city contracts. The investigation also involves his two brothers and focuses on the enforcement of nightlife regulations.

The DOE also expressed gratitude for Banks' service and confidence in Aviles-Ramos' leadership: "Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and the entire senior leadership team of NYC Public Schools will ensure continued leadership for our 1.1 million students and staff when the transition occurs on October 16."

City Hall added, "We thank Chancellor Banks for his service to the city and nearly one million public school children, and we are excited to build on his legacy."