New York City schools chancellor’s replacement chosen after David Banks announced retirement at end of year: sources

NEW YORK (WABC) — A replacement for New York City schools chancellor has been chosen after David Banks announced his intention to retire at the end of the year, sources tell Eyewitness News.

Melissa Aviles Ramos will be New York’s next schools chancellor, sources say.

The announcement will be made on Wednesday.

Banks’ retirement announcement Tuesday comes amid a federal investigation into Mayor Eric Adams’ administration that led to the seizure of Banks’ phone about three weeks ago.

This is the fourth high-ranking member of the Adams administration to leave office in recent weeks, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who is also under federal investigation; the mayor’s chief legal adviser, Lisa Zornberg, who said she could no longer defend the mayor; and on Monday, city Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said he would retire at the end of the year. Although there is no indication he is under investigation.

Banks will retire at the end of the calendar year, according to a letter he sent to City Hall obtained by ABC News, after nearly 40 years of service to the city’s public schools.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished during my tenure, and the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated professionals to shape the future of education in our great city is one I will always cherish,” his letter said. “We have faced many challenges and made significant progress in improving the educational landscape for our students, families, and educators. Together, we have laid the foundation to ensure every child can read, expanded special education services, and helped the gifted thrive.” “We have built educational and talent programs, improved school nutrition, welcomed more than 45,000 migrant students, and through a series of innovative partnerships, ensured that all students graduate with a path to rewarding careers and long-term economic security, equipped to be a positive force for change.”

In his statement, Banks said: “When we met earlier this year, I informed you that I intended to retire at the end of this calendar year after ensuring that the school year got off to a strong start.”

Banks’ retirement plans were not publicly known. In fact, here’s what he said eleven days ago.

“We’re all going to wait and see where these investigations go and, other than that, I’m very, very focused on my job.”

The letter, dated Tuesday, suggested the decision was in the works before the federal investigations that have engulfed the Adams administration. But in recent weeks, the home Banks shares with Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright was raided by federal investigators, who seized her phone.

Banks’ two brothers are also implicated in investigations that focus on bid manipulation for municipal contracts and enforcement of nightlife regulations governing bars and clubs.

The Chancellor’s letter goes on to say that he will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition to the next Chancellor.

New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan also submitted his resignation Monday and will leave office by the end of the year. He said he was leaving his post for personal reasons and not because of the ongoing federal investigations involving the Adams administration.

Adams released the following statement regarding Banks’ retirement:

“I am incredibly grateful and proud of the work accomplished in New York City Public Schools under Chancellor David Banks. In less than three years, our city’s public schools have transformed from a safe and open school environment emerging from the pandemic to a space that has increased reading, math, and graduation rates for our students. We have implemented critical initiatives like NYC Reads, NYC Solves, and universal dyslexia screenings, while seamlessly and quickly coordinating with partners to welcome, enroll, and support thousands of newcomer students and their families citywide. We have done all of this and more on behalf of nearly a million public school students, and Chancellor Banks has played a critical role in making this happen every day. On behalf of all New Yorkers, we thank Chancellor Banks for his service and wish him well in his retirement at the end of this calendar year.”

Sheena Wright regularly attends the mayor’s weekly meeting&A with reporters. But Wright was not among the officials present Tuesday and speculation is rife that she could be the next to go.

City Council member Robert Holden says the mayor appears determined to continue on his path.

“We’ve met him on the day of some raids and he’s been pretty unfazed. So he’s kept a straight face so far. It’s just a matter of time: is this going to catch up with him and he’s going to wake up one morning and not be able to function because he’s a human being? So that must be weighing on him,” Holden said.

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