Chancellor David Banks Announces New Superintendents
On Monday, June 27th, Chancellor David Banks joined by Mayor Eric Adams announced and introduced the 45 Community Superintendents who will execute their vision for New York City schools.
In his remarks, Banks said, “As the leader of more than 1600 schools, the final decision on who becomes a community superintendent rests with the Chancellor.”
A product of the New York City school system, Banks understands the importance of a high-quality education from primary through high school. Banks pointed out some of the challenges he will address citing “an unacceptable number of students that don’t learn how to read.”
All superintendents were asked to reapply for their positions as part of Banks’ plan to overhaul the current system that was failing students.
Currently, a super majority of students do not read, write, or do math at grade level. For many years, during the Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations, the Department of Education has been graduating students who are illiterate and innumerate.
Banks held town hall meetings with candidates for superintendent for each district to introduce the process to the public, pledging to be “strongly led by what the community thinks.” Banks said, “I have heard repeatedly from parents that they feel unheard, un-welcomed, and under-appreciated by those in leadership.”
Still on Chancellor David Banks Announcement of New Superintendents…
In his announcement, Banks emphasized the changes he wanted to see in the school system and noted that there must be strong leadership to come from the newly appointed superintendents.
“To address these challenges and implement bold solutions, we set out to build a team of superintendents who are empowered in ways that they have not been in years.” Banks stated that the superintendents would oversee their schools and bring about a change to the education system that will improve outcomes for students.
“I want a one-stop-shop,” Banks said of the reimagined job. “I want to make this New York City public school a more parent-friendly experience. When in doubt, a parent is aware that they can always go to their superintendent’s office and get all their questions answered,” he said.
Mayor Eric Adams, who joined Chancellor Banks at the announcement, endorsed the new superintendent candidates.
“We are so focused from sunup to sundown. We are committed to using the next four years to turn around a system that has failed students, parents, teachers, administrators, and leaders,” Adams said.
Beginning on July 1, the incoming superintendents will lead “listening tours” to gather suggestions for enhancing schools.
