NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Mayor Eric Adams announced Melissa Aviles-Ramos, the deputy chancellor of family and community engagement, as the new city schools chancellor on Wednesday, following the resignation of David Banks amid an ongoing federal investigation.
“Today, I could not be prouder to announce somebody who possesses a fierce commitment to public education as our next public schools chancellor, Melissa Aviles-Ramos,” Adams said. “Melissa is a veteran of New York City Public Schools and a lifelong educator. She brings a wealth of experience fostering community engagement and supporting families to her new role, serving in numerous roles in our public school system, and I believe she is the right woman for the moment."
“Becoming the chancellor for nation’s largest school district is the ultimate job for a lifelong educator,” Aviles-Ramos said. “As a former teacher and a mom of a public-school student, I believe strongly in our work and in maintaining stability through this transition."
Banks informed the mayor of his resignation on Tuesday. He also attended the press conference. "Her leadership and experience will further strengthen our schools, ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive,” Banks said. “Together, we’ll continue our mission of delivering a world-class education for every child in New York City."
The federal probe has reached multiple members of Adams’ administration. Investigators have reportedly visited over a dozen individuals, seizing devices from key officials, including former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other close confidants, both in and out of City Hall. The investigation is centered around allegations of bid-rigging for city contracts and the enforcement of nightlife regulations.
Several high-ranking officials in Adams’ administration have recently resigned, including FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg, and Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan. Caban also stepped down a week after the probe, citing a desire to avoid the investigations becoming a distraction.
Banks’ resignation comes as federal investigators have seized his phone as part of a probe.
The investigation also involves Banks’ brothers, Philip and Terence Banks. Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, and Terence Banks, who runs a consulting firm that connects businesses to city agencies, have both had devices seized. Some companies represented by Terence Banks’ firm have received millions in city contracts after hiring him, though both he and David Banks have stated they do not believe they are targets of the investigation.
In his resignation letter to Adams, Banks wrote, “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished during my tenure. The opportunity to work alongside such dedicated professionals to shape the future of education in our great city is one that I will always cherish.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.