David Banks, the outgoing chancellor of New York City’s public schools, is facing scrutiny over his security detail’s track record of speeding through school zones. Records show that the vehicle used to transport Banks has accumulated 27 traffic violations, including 18 for speeding near schools — a statistic that has drawn attention to the practices of the Department of Education’s top official.
The violations, which span over several months, began in October 2022 when Banks’ taxpayer-funded Chevy Suburban was first caught speeding near Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Academy in Forest Hills. Subsequent infractions followed, with more speeding tickets issued near KIPP Beyond Middle School in Morningside Heights in July 2023, and outside the Daily Discovery Pre-K Center in Brooklyn’s Gravesend neighborhood in August.
Education advocates have raised concerns over the safety implications of these incidents, particularly given Banks’ position as the head of a department responsible for student welfare. Yiatin Chu, a state Senate candidate and education advocate from Queens, told The New York Post, “To see the leader of our schools violating these speed limits is just unacceptable. The safety of our children is of the most importance inside the school as well as around the school.”
City Councilman Bob Holden echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of adherence to traffic laws, especially around schools. “As the person tasked with ensuring our children’s safety, he should set a better example by ensuring his drivers obey the law, especially in school zones,” Holden said.
The Department of Education has responded to the issue, with spokesperson Nathaniel Styer emphasizing that student safety remains a priority. Styer confirmed that the chancellor’s security detail undergoes regular traffic law training and noted that when tickets are issued, the drivers are held accountable. “When they receive tickets, they pay them and are held accountable — up to and including suspension of their driving responsibilities,” Styer said.
The spotlight on Banks comes at a time of broader public attention to traffic violations by city officials. Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander, for example, has also faced criticism for accruing 10 school zone speeding violations over the last decade using his personal vehicle, alongside other traffic infractions.
Banks’ tenure as schools chancellor is winding down amid this scrutiny. His resignation was announced recently, following a federal investigation that included a raid on the Harlem residence he shares with his partner, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Federal agents reportedly seized electronics as part of a corruption probe into the administration of Mayor Eric Adams. However, the Department of Education has indicated that Banks’ departure will not affect the department’s ongoing initiatives.
