David Banks, the outgoing New York City schools chancellor, is set to embark on a new chapter: authoring a book chronicling his experiences at the helm of the nation’s largest school district.
Banks’ departure on Tuesday follows a publicly noted disagreement with Mayor Eric Adams regarding his leaving date. However, Banks revealed to parent leaders on Thursday that he has meticulously documented his tenure, taking daily notes throughout his two and a half years as chancellor.
“I capture my notes on a daily basis, and I have not missed a day since I’ve started,” Banks stated to the Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Committee. “Every meeting that I’ve had, everything I do, before I go to bed at night, I reflect on it, it’s captured, I edit it. I’ve got binders now … . I’m going to capture all that into a story.”
This upcoming book is not Banks’ first venture into writing. He previously authored a book about establishing Eagle Academy, a public school network focused on educating young Black and Latino males.
Notably, Mayor Adams also has spoken about compiling a book based on his mayoral experiences, creating a parallel between the two leaders’ literary ambitions.
However, the timing of Banks’ book announcement adds another layer of intrigue, given the recent tumultuous conclusion to his chancellorship. This period included FBI agents seizing his cell phones, the indictment of Mayor Adams on corruption charges, and the widely reported rift with Adams over Banks’ departure timeline.
Banks’ promise of a candid account is further emphasized by a cryptic social media post from his wife, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who resigned earlier in the week. Wright’s post alluded to “testimonies” and “stories to tell,” fueling speculation about potential revelations in Banks’ book. Adding to the drama, Banks’ brother, Phil Banks, also resigned from his deputy mayor position after federal agents seized his phones. It is important to note that neither Sheena Wright nor Phil Banks have been accused of any wrongdoing.
NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks addresses an audience, hinting at his upcoming book detailing his experiences leading the NYC public school system.
Beyond the recent controversies, Banks’ tenure as NYC Schools Chancellor was marked by significant initiatives. He spearheaded a major reform of literacy instruction across the city and intensified efforts to provide high school students with valuable work experience. His leadership also navigated the complexities of student protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, including a nationally publicized incident at Hillcrest High School in Queens, his alma mater.
Furthermore, Nyc Schools Chancellor David Banks found himself in the national spotlight when he testified before a U.S. congressional panel addressing the responses of K-12 schools to antisemitism.
“It’s a job where you in many ways are the repository of just what everybody wants,” he reflected on Thursday. “It’s a great responsibility … and when you do it the way I do it, you can run out of gas.”
Banks shared that former Chancellor Joel Klein offered him valuable advice regarding the demanding nature of the schools chief role. Klein, who served under Mayor Michael Bloomberg for eight years, warned Banks about the overwhelming influx of information.
“You will never be able to keep up with all of it,” Banks recalled Klein saying. “It’s too much information that happens every single day.”
This advice, Banks explained, was a key factor in his decision to maintain detailed daily notes.
NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks’ departure coincides with New York City hosting a conference centered on the integration of artificial intelligence in education, a subject Banks has become increasingly passionate about.
Following the AI conference, Banks expressed his anticipation for rest and a more relaxed schedule, but affirmed his continued dedication to the field of education.
“I’m not done in this work,” Banks concluded. “I’m just done in this particular role.”
David Banks participates in a discussion, indicating his future involvement in education despite stepping down as NYC Schools Chancellor.
