New York City’s Education Director, David Banks, announced last week that he would retire at the end of the year and introduced Deputy Education Director Melissa Aviles-Ramos as his successor. However, a spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office issued a statement on the evening of October 2, revealing that Ramos will take over the management of the New York City Department of Education earlier than originally planned. This change will occur on October 16, nearly three months ahead of the previously scheduled effective date of January 1, 2026.
The city government spokesperson stated in the announcement, “From day one, this administration has continued to prioritize the needs of students. In advancing this mission, it is clear that our students are best served by having consistent leadership for as much of the school year as possible, rather than a change in leadership midway through.”
The official X (formerly Twitter) account of the New York City Department of Education also followed up with the announcement on the morning of the 3rd, stating, “Education Director Ramos and the senior leadership team of the New York City public school system will ensure continued leadership for the city’s 1.1 million students and staff members on October 16.”
The post further mentioned that the new Education Director Ramos will meet with district superintendents, key staff, parent leaders, and teacher union representatives in the next two weeks to “collaboratively strengthen and reinforce efforts to ensure student safety, teach reading to students, and prepare students for high-paying jobs.”
The post concluded with appreciation for the outgoing Banks’ 40 years of contributions to New York City’s education system, expressing pleasure in being able to continue his legacy.
Current Education Director Banks submitted his resignation letter on September 24, and the next day, during a press conference with Mayor Eric Adams, announced his retirement on December 31 of this year. He also introduced the incoming Education Director Ramos to the media that day, with the Mayor’s Office announcing that Ramos would start in her new role on January 1 next year.
With less than two weeks remaining until Banks’ official retirement, the countdown is on.
Banks was appointed as the city’s Education Director by Adams in 2022. His brother is Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Philip Banks III, and his newlywed wife is First Deputy Mayor, Sheena Wright.
On September 4 of this year, Banks and his then-fiancée Wright both had their phones confiscated by investigators. However, all three individuals currently face no public charges.
According to media reports, the reason for the investigation may be related to the youngest Banks brother, Terence Banks, and his ties to city government contracts.