Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, Parents, Advocates Call for Inclusion of Mayoral Accountability in State Budget

March 8, 2022

Video available at: https://youtu.be/yvitHbR9yIY

BAYSIDE, NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks today called on members of the state Legislature to include mayoral accountability for New York City Public Schools in the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget. Joining Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks at today’s event outside of Bayside High School were elected officials, teachers, and advocates — all there to highlight the numerous successes of mayoral accountability, including the launch of Pre-K for All, a more than 20 percent increase in graduation rates, and the coordination of the massive inter-agency COVID-19 response.

“Mayoral accountability in New York City Public Schools is what has allowed us to create Universal Pre-K, increase graduation rates, and get kids back into the classroom safely and swiftly during COVID-19,” said Mayor Adams. “Continuing mayoral accountability will benefit all of our students and will allow Chancellor Banks and myself to make the transformative changes in the education system that will address systemic inequities. This is no time to go backwards to a broken system. It’s a time to build on what we know works: accountability.”

“It is vital that we take this moment to put politics aside and come together to focus on and support our students,” said Schools Chancellor Banks. “As a product of our public schools and a leader who knows all too well the challenges before us, this is personal to me. Mayoral accountability allows us to collectively tackle systemic problems so that all of our kids may have bright starts and bold futures.”

Twenty years ago, before mayoral accountability, New York City’s education system was plagued with corruption that put the needs of adults over those of students. Today, Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks are committed to meeting the needs of New York’s students. By continuing mayoral accountability, Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks can dismantle decades of deep-rooted inequities, while simultaneously building a brighter future for young New Yorkers, filled with unlimited opportunities. 

“As we seek to support our schools and students, it is essential that our state government leaders grant New York City mayoral control of our schools,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Mayoral accountability makes clear who is responsible for our schools, and for being responsive to students, parents, and educators alike by listening to their needs and incorporating their priorities as we continue to advocate for equity and excellence for our children.”

“I support and encourage the state Legislature’s swift passage of mayoral accountability over New York City’s school system, which I believe will continue to lead to successful outcomes for our students and staff alike,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As we emerge from the pandemic, I look forward to working with the mayor and Chancellor Banks to strengthen our schools, uplift our families, and engage parents in our shared pursuit of excellence for all who walk through the doors of our school system.”

“100 Black Men, Inc. supports mayoral control of schools and stands with Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks,” said Courtney A. Bennett, executive director, 100 Black Men, Inc (OHBM). “The city has seen improvements in graduation rates, college admissions, innovative schools, and more under mayoral control. Mayor Adams has thoughtfully surrounded himself with talented, proven leaders. When OHBM founded the first Eagle Academy, David Banks was the principal. He has since built the Eagle Academy from a single school serving a few hundred boys to network of schools serving thousands yielding better than average results when compared to other schools. Mayoral control allows innovators, like Chancellor Banks, to help students become their best selves. That's what education is all about, isn't it?”

“Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks are products of New York City public schools, making this the first time we have leaders under mayoral accountability from the city school system,” said Reverend Jacques DeGraff, board member, Urban Assembly. “They know the issues that parents and students are concerned with by not only witnessing the inequities in the system but also seeing what works. The extension of mayoral accountability allocates adequate time for the mayor and chancellor to make a difference in the lives of thousands of students. They need four years to get the job done the right way.”

“There is no stronger way to ensure our youth have all the resources they need to be on the best path to a fruitful education, than for accountability to lay with the mayor,” said Arva Rice, CEO, New York Urban League. “In order to ensure equity and equality of outcomes of all New Yorkers we need citywide policy and structure to ensure no child is left behind.”

“As a community advocate and parent of three, I believe our local government has the best leaders to solve our local problems,” said Vijah Ramjattan, community advocate and parent. “This is about accountability and our public schools are no exception. Now is the time to ensure our public school students are best equipped to succeed and thrive.”

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