Schools Chancellor David Banks intended to serve another three months in the role after announcing his retirement. Instead, at the request of Mayor Eric Adams, his time has run out — and he will now serve though Oct. 16. 

“This is a time for real stability and to have both Melissa and David there at the same time. It didn’t bring the stability that we wanted, not only the actual stability, but how the DOE feels,” Adams said. “This is 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.”

What You Need To Know

  • Last Wednesday, Banks announced plans to remain as chancellor through the end of the calendar year

  • Just a week later, City Hall released a statement saying he would depart on Oct. 16 instead

  • Banks says the accelerated timeline was mayor's decision, not his

Those comments come just eight days after Adams stood beside Banks at a celebratory press conference, announcing a succession plan for Banks to serve through December until his successor, Melissa Aviles-Ramos, would then take over.

Adams’ comments were a complete reversal of the argument Banks had made, with Adams smiling by his side, last Wednesday.

“Continuity matters, stability matters. So even as I have now made this announcement, I’m not leaving tomorrow,” Banks said during his opening remarks.

Banks was later questioned directly about serving in the role after naming his successor.

“Some of the stuff was written, chancellor resigns, like I’m leaving tomorrow. No,” Banks said. “This is the most responsible way we can do this. It doesn’t usually happen this way. It usually happens, someone is leaving, they’re out tomorrow, and good luck to the next person.”

The departure, and the sped-up timeline, come as the Adams administration is embroiled in federal investigations, with the mayor facing federal charges including bribery and Banks having his cell phones seized by the FBI. 

In a statement, released by a public relations firm and not the education department, Banks said it was not his choice.

“Last week, I announced my planned retirement, and I was ready, willing and able to stay in my post until Dec. 31 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.”

The move comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul has pushed the mayor to clean house of people involved in the investigation, according to sources. Asked if that led to the departure, Adams did not directly answer.

“You know how I feel, those personal conversations I don’t go into. You know, he has served us well. He’s done an amazing job with our school system, and I’m looking forward to Melissa,” Adams said.

The two men have known each for decades, but in recent weeks their relationship has sometimes appeared strained. At last week’s press conference, Banks thanked multiple mentors and colleagues in his opening remarks, but did not mention the mayor standing beside him until he was taking questions at the close of the event.