Photo: Twitter
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Mayor-Elect Eric Adams announced David Banks will be the next chancellor of the New York City Department of Education. In response, Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), a former educator and middle school principal, released the following statement:
“Ever since I met David Banks years ago, I have known him to be a champion for equity and justice, an innovative agent of change, and a former principal who still brings honor to the profession he and I will always call our own. The only thing he loves more than New York City are the kids who call it home
“To understand what drives David Banks, just look at the academic institutions he’s founded and championed. The Eagle Academy for Young Men was the first public school for Black boys in the United States—and it has since grown into six schools, all with a focus on improving the educational outcomes of young men of color. Meanwhile, The Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice was founded specifically to introduce students who might not otherwise get the exposure to careers in those fields. These are just some of the many examples of David Banks’ leadership, vision, and care.
“I look forward to supporting the new Chancellor in any way that I can—and I look forward to supporting the students, parents, teachers, and administrators whose lives the Chancellor’s work will touch. Because it really does take a village to make sure children are learning, growing, and thriving.
“As we heal from the trauma of the pandemic and strive to meet the cognitive, social, emotional, educational, and creative needs of our kids and families, particularly the most marginalized—and as we Build Back Better as a city and country—I have full faith and confidence in David Banks’ vision for our schools. It will help our kids heal and succeed, and that is desperately needed right now.”
Founding Principal Jamaal Bowman was an educator and advocate for public schools for over 20 years and previously served as principal for the Cornerstone Academy for Social Action (CASA), a public middle school he founded in 2009 in the Baychester neighborhood of The Bronx. Principal Bowman is a life-long New Yorker who now lives in Yonkers with his wife and children.
