Outgoing schools Chancellor David Banks expressed doubts to city superintendents about Mayor Adams’ ability to remain in power after his indictment on bribery, fraud, and corruption charges. Banks held a Zoom meeting with 45 superintendents, where he questioned whether anyone, including Adams, could overcome the current turmoil. Banks, who was appointed by Adams to lead NYC public schools, stepped down a day before the indictment and reassured the superintendents that if Adams were removed or resigned, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams could step in as interim mayor with minimal disruptions.
Banks assured the superintendents that the work would continue and urged them to stay focused on their tasks. Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who was appointed as the incoming chancellor by Adams prior to his indictment, would carry out the same agenda including implementing new citywide reading and math curricula. The superintendents did not have the opportunity to ask any questions during the meeting, leading to frustration over the distraction caused by the indictment and ongoing investigations at City Hall. This distraction was hindering their ability to focus on the real work of education and serving students.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mayor Adams’ future, Banks expressed confidence that the education system would continue without major disruptions. Aviles-Ramos, who attended the meeting but did not speak, participated in a celebratory press conference with Adams where they embraced and expressed mutual support. Aviles-Ramos thanked everyone for accepting her and supporting her, promising to have their backs and get things done in line with the mayor’s goals. The atmosphere at the press conference was positive and optimistic, despite the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the mayor’s future.
The superintendents at the meeting were left feeling unsure about the future and frustrated by the distractions caused by the indictment and investigations. The focus on City Hall’s troubles was preventing them from concentrating on their important work of educating students and implementing educational initiatives. Banks acknowledged the challenges but encouraged them to continue focusing on their tasks and assured them that the work would continue even if Mayor Adams were to be removed from office or step down.
The potential outcomes of Adams’ indictment and the impact on the education system were discussed during the meeting, with Banks suggesting that Public Advocate Jumaane Williams could step in as interim mayor if necessary. The superintendents were reassured that the education system would carry on and that minimal disruptions were expected in the event of a change in leadership. Aviles-Ramos was expected to continue implementing the mayor’s agenda, including the introduction of new curricula, despite the uncertain political climate. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by educators in navigating the complexities of political turmoil while striving to provide a quality education for students.
