David Banks
Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education
Assumed office
January 1, 2022
MayorEric Adams
Preceded byMeisha Ross Porter
Personal details
Born (1962-01-14) January 14, 1962 (age 62)
Domestic partnerSheena Wright
Children4
RelativesPhilip Banks III (brother)
EducationRutgers University, New Brunswick (BA)
St. John’s University (JD)

David C. Banks (born January 14, 1962) is an American attorney and educator who is currently serving as the 31st New York City Schools chancellor in the administration of Mayor Eric Adams.

Early life and education

Banks's mother was a secretary and his father, Philip Banks Jr., was a lieutenant in the New York City Police Department. Banks grew up in Southeast Queens. He has two brothers, including Philip Banks III, who retired from the NYPD as chief of department on October 31, 2014.[1] Banks earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and a Juris Doctor from St. John's University.[2]

Career

Banks worked for the city’s law department and the state attorney general before becoming a public school teacher in Crown Heights.[3] He also helped to create the Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice, a prototype for the small schools initiative. Banks served as president and CEO of the Eagle Academy Foundation, a network of public all-boys' schools until his appointment as New York City Schools Chancellor.[4]

As chancellor, Banks has prioritized early literacy through NYC Reads and career-connected learning through the FutureReady and Modern Youth Apprenticeship initiatives.[5] On May 9, 2023, Banks launched NYC Reads, an overhaul of how New York City Public Schools teaches reading.[6] The overhaul aligns the entire school system under three approved reading curricula that are based in the 'science of reading,' and a unified curriculum for early childhood programs.

Personal life

Banks's partner, Sheena Wright, is the current First Deputy Mayor of New York City. She was the former Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives[7] of New York City and former president and CEO of the United Way of New York City.[3]

References

  1. ^ Williams, Lloyd (2013-10-24). "Chief Philip Banks for police commissioner". New York Amsterdam News. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 2021-12-12.
  2. ^ "David Banks to Become New York City's New Schools Chancellor | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News". WNYC. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
  3. ^ a b Shapiro, Eliza (2021-12-08). "David Banks, Educator and Adams Ally, Is Next N.Y.C. Schools Chancellor". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
  4. ^ Querolo, Nic; Akinnibi, Fola; Nahmias, Laura. "Adams Names David C. Banks as NYC Schools Chancellor". www.bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
  5. ^ "Chancellor David C. Banks 2023 State of Our Schools Remarks". web. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
  6. ^ Closson, Troy (2023-05-09). "New York Is Forcing Schools to Change How They Teach Children to Read". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
  7. ^ Mays, Jeffery C. (2021-12-21). "Eric Adams Names 5 Women to Top City Hall Posts". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-01-02.

External links

Educational offices Preceded byMeisha Ross Porter Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education 2022–present Incumbent
New York City Department of Education
Administration of Mayor Eric Adams (2022–present)
Categories