NEW YORK — David Banks, head of New York City’s public school system, announced Tuesday that he will resign at the end of the year, amid a wave of high-profile departures within Mayor Eric Adams’ administration coinciding with ongoing federal investigations.
Banks’ decision follows recent federal actions, including the seizure of his phone and those belonging to several top officials, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who resigned earlier this month. In a retirement letter to the Associated Press, Banks stated he had informed the mayor of his plans to step down earlier this summer, aiming to ensure a smooth start to the school year.
Having led the largest public school system in the nation since Adams took office in 2022, Banks previously served as a teacher, principal, and founder of a network of all-boys public schools. His resignation letter notably omitted any mention of the federal investigations involving Adams' aides and associates concerning campaign fundraising and potential influence peddling.
In a statement, Mayor Adams expressed gratitude for Banks’ contributions to the school system.
The resignation is part of a broader trend, with several senior officials in the Adams administration stepping down recently, including top legal adviser Lisa Zornberg, who cited an inability to serve effectively, and Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, who will also leave by year’s end.
Adams, addressing concerns about an exodus within his team, insisted, “Employees and staffers come and go,” dismissing the idea that the departures are linked to the federal inquiries.
Banks, who has focused on improving educational outcomes for young Black and Latino boys through initiatives like the Eagle Academy, had been viewed as a key figure in the mayor's educational agenda. His departure raises questions about the future direction of the city's school system amidst ongoing scrutiny of the administration.
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