Schools Chancellor David Banks will retire two months earlier than initially planned, stepping down on Oct. 16.

Banks had originally announced his intention to retire at the end of the year, but opted for an earlier departure to allow incoming Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos to "begin executing on her vision for New York City Public Schools," City Hall spokesperson Amaris Cockfield said Wednesday.

"From day one, this administration has continued to prioritize the needs of our students," Cockfield said in a statement. "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."

On Thursday, however, Banks released his own statement saying he had been "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. 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," Banks said. "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."

Banks, who was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in December 2021, announced his retirement shortly after the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized his cellphones.

His retirement was part of a larger wave of departures from the Adams administration, which saw a tumultuous few weeks conclude with federal corruption charges being brought against the mayor last week.

The allegations include fraud, bribery and soliciting illegal campaign contributions. On Wednesday, prosecutors said they are also pursuing "several related investigations" that could lead to further charges against Adams and possible indictments for others within his circle.

Banks has maintained that his legal counsel has indicated he is not a target in the investigation.

Aviles-Ramos currently serves as the deputy chancellor for family and community engagement, a role she assumed in July. Prior to taking on this position, Aviles-Ramos was Banks' chief of staff, during which she played a large role in managing the Department of Education's response to the influx of migrants.