On October 3rd, New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks announced that he would be leaving his position earlier than anticipated. Just a week prior, he had submitted his resignation letter, indicating his intention to retire at the end of the year. However, Banks has now moved his final day in office up to October 16th. A spokesperson from City Hall explained that this adjustment aims to allow incoming Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos to start her work sooner.
Reports indicate that Governor Kathy Hochul recently held a private conversation with Mayor Eric Adams following the release of the indictment against him. During this discussion, she advised him to “clean house” and dismiss members of his core team who are involved in a federal investigation. Until now, Adams had resisted firing these aides, but, according to the New York Post, there’s a notable shift in his approach as he seeks to maintain Hochul’s trust and protect his position, since she has the authority to remove him from office. The Post also reported that Adams notified Banks on the evening of October 2nd about his decision to resign months ahead of schedule without any prior discussion, leaving Banks surprised.
Adams addressed the situation, stating that principals and staff within New York City’s schools were calling for a change in leadership to ensure stability. He remarked, “Having both Ramos and Banks in the role simultaneously cannot provide the stability we need.” In a personal statement, Banks emphasized that he had been “ready, willing, and able” to remain in his role until December 31st to foster a responsible transition but noted that the mayor opted to expedite the timeline.
Incoming Chancellor Ramos has publicly expressed her strong support for the policies that Banks has implemented. Having previously served as his chief of staff, she will continue to collaborate with him on policy decisions throughout the remainder of his tenure.
On September 4th, the FBI conducted an unexpected search at Banks’s home, seizing communication devices and investigating whether he improperly awarded city contracts to a consulting firm operated by his brother, Terrence Banks. Additionally, his fiancée, Sheena Wright, who serves as the city’s first deputy mayor, also had her phone confiscated by federal agents.
Despite the ongoing federal investigation and the indictment against Adams, Banks and Wright celebrated their wedding on September 28th in Martha’s Vineyard. Some legal experts suggest that by marrying, the couple—who may face legal challenges—could benefit from “spousal privilege” for self-protection. Under federal law, legally married couples have the right to refuse to testify against one another when facing allegations.
