David C. Banks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Banks
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| Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education |
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| In office January 1, 2022 – October 16, 2024 |
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| Mayor | Eric Adams |
| Preceded by | Meisha Ross Porter |
| Succeeded by | Melissa Aviles-Ramos |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 14, 1962 |
| Spouse | Sheena Wright |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Tanya Wright (sister-in-law) Philip Banks III (brother) Terence Banks (brother) |
| Education | Rutgers University, New Brunswick (BA) St. John’s University (JD) |
David C. Banks (born January 14, 1962) is an American lawyer and educator. He served as the leader of New York City's public schools, known as the 31st New York City Schools Chancellor. He worked under Mayor Eric Adams from 2022 until he retired in 2024.
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Early Life and Education
David Banks grew up in Southeast Queens, a part of New York City. His mother worked as a secretary. His father, Philip Banks Jr., was a lieutenant in the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
David has two brothers. One is Philip Banks III, who was a high-ranking officer in the NYPD. His other brother, Terence Banks, worked for the MTA (New York's public transport system).
David Banks went to Rutgers University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, he studied law at St. John's University and received a Juris Doctor degree, which is a law degree.
Career in Education
Before becoming a school leader, David Banks worked as a lawyer for the city and the state. He then became a public school teacher in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
He also helped start the Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice. This school was a model for creating smaller, more focused schools.
Leading the Eagle Academy
Before becoming Chancellor, Banks was the president and CEO of the Eagle Academy Foundation. This foundation runs a group of public schools just for boys. These schools focus on helping young men succeed.
As Schools Chancellor
David Banks became the New York City Schools Chancellor on January 1, 2022. As Chancellor, he focused on several important goals for students.
One main goal was improving how students learn to read. He launched a program called NYC Reads in May 2023. This program changed how reading is taught across all New York City public schools. It uses specific teaching methods based on the "science of reading" to help kids learn better.
Banks also wanted to help students get ready for future jobs. He started programs like FutureReady and Modern Youth Apprenticeship. These programs help students connect what they learn in school to real-world careers. They also offer chances for students to get hands-on experience through apprenticeships.
David Banks retired from his role as Chancellor in 2024.
Personal Life
David Banks is married to Sheena Wright. Sheena Wright is also a very important person in New York City government. She currently serves as the First Deputy Mayor of New York City. Before that, she was the Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. She also used to be the president and CEO of the United Way of New York City, a large charity organization. David and Sheena got married in September 2024.
