He invited educators and the media to attend his "State of Our Schools" address at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School in Queens on Tuesday morning.
Chancellor Banks touted the progress students in the nation's largest school district made with the city's NYC Reads program.
"All in all, get this, over half a million students will be impacted by NYC Reads and NYC Solves just this year alone," Banks said. "So just picture this for a moment, if you walk into any Pre-K classroom anywhere in the city, kids will be learning from the same curriculum."
But there is no quick fix when it comes to the issues students face, the chancellor admitted.
"There's still lots of work to do. It's important to remember: we aren't after a quick uptick in test scores. We are laying the foundation for all our students to be on grade level by third grade, and that is long-term work, as we've seen in other states and districts that have successfully overhauled their literacy approach," Banks said. "I am confident we are on the right track, and that the effects of NYC Reads and NYC Solves will ripple across our city for years to come."
Priorities for this year include: opening accelerated high schools in underprivileged areas. The first of its kind HBCU Early College Prep School is set to open in Queens.
He asserted the DOE's comprehensive position on mental health, offering free tele-therapy for teens.
NYC Schools is studying the use of AI as a tool, not to replace teachers, but support them in having accurate data for student progress.
At the heart of what Banks wishes for kids in New York City, is a future full of success.
"But in moments like this, it's critical to stay focused on our mission: 'to ensure that each student graduates on a pathway to a rewarding career and long-term economic security, equipped to be a positive force for change,'" Banks said.
Just one day prior, New York City Mayor Eric Adams released his mayor's management report for this fiscal year, which assesses agencies performances from the year prior.
Among the areas showing improvement, was education.
"Public schools are the foundation of both this city and our administration's priorities. From enhancing literacy to creating pathways for rewarding careers to investing over $1.5 billion in our schools, we are committed to providing the resources and support necessary for a world-class education," Banks said. "With the collective dedication of 140,000 staff members, New York City Public Schools are united in driving this mission forward and elevating all of our schools."
Chancellor Banks closed his address on Tuesday by having the audience of educators stand and recite "Invictus," a poem about resilience.
Banks said everyone goes through challenges including himself.
Last week, Banks spoke out after the FBI seized two of his cell phones and raided his home as part of an ongoing federal investigation into city officials. He declined to answer when asked if the FBI still has his phones.
His lawyer advised him that he is "absolutely not the target" in the investigations.
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Mayor Adams says he isn't worried about optics amid federal investigations, resignations
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