New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks to step down at end of year

David Banks said Tuesday he'll step down at the end of 2024 as New York City's schools chancellor, the latest resignation in an administration rocked by scandal.

In a statement issued by Mayor Eric Adams' office, Banks said: "After nearly 40 years of dedicated service to New York City's public schools, I have made the decision to retire at the end of this year. I want to thank Mayor Adams for giving me the opportunity to serve as chancellor, and I am immensely proud of the progress we’ve made together."

Adams' statement said: "On behalf of all New Yorkers, we thank Chancellor Banks for his service, and wish him well in his retirement at the end of the calendar year.”

Banks, whose home was raided earlier this month by the FBI, is one of at least a dozen people connected to Adams to be served with subpoenas, had warrants executed at their homes or had their phones seized in a sprawling corruption investigation. Two of Banks' brothers — Phil, a deputy mayor for public safety, and Terence, who runs a government consulting firm — are among those who have been subject to federal investigative actions. No one has been charged with wrongdoing.

Banks was appointed in 2022 to lead the city schools, the nation's largest, with nearly 1 million pupils.

Earlier this week, the city health commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, announced his resignation. Earlier this month, NYPD commissioner, Edward Caban, resigned, as did Adams' chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg.

Zach Iscol, the commissioner of emergency management, was considering resigning but announced earlier this week that he is staying.

Hours before news broke of Banks' resignation, Adams told reporters at a news conference that "employees and staffers come and go, they come and go. Very few remain throughout an entire term."

"Working in government is hard, folks," Adams said. "It's hard, when you work in government, but you give your heart and you walk away feeling as though you accomplished something." 

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.