NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks plans to step down this month

NEW YORK (PIX11) — New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks will be leaving his post on Oct. 16, sources told PIX11 News.

Banks, who has led the country’s largest school system for nearly three years, will leave his post earlier than originally announced.

PIX11 News received the following statement from a spokesperson from City Hall regarding the announcement:

“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 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.”

In a letter to Mayor Eric Adams, Banks said he previously told Adams during a meeting earlier this year of his plan to “retire” at the end of 2024 “after ensuring the school year got off to a good start.”

The announcement comes just weeks after the FBI raided the Harlem home Banks shares with First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and seized cellphones from the property, sources previously told PIX11 News. Investigators took his personal cellphone and his DOE phone, Banks

Melissa Aviles-Ramos will take over as the new chancellor of New York City Public Schools once Chancellor David Banks leaves the post at the end of the year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.