NYC Schools Chancellor's Daughter Gets District Job Despite Lacking Qualifications

NYC Schools Chancellor's Daughter Lands District Job Despite Lacking Qualifications

While David Banks, his brother Philip, and his wife Sheena Wright have all left Mayor Adams’ administration amid corruption probes, Banks' daughter Aaliyah has landed a coveted district-level position without meeting the posted requirements.

Aaliyah Banks, 35, has a state license to teach students with disabilities in grades 7 through 12, but started this fall in Brooklyn’s District 14 as an ELA (English Language Arts) Implementation Specialist for elementary grades. The job requires “at least eight years of successful teaching experience,” according to a DOE ad for the position, but Aaliyah only has five years as a state-licensed teacher. The job posting also requires a teaching license in early childhood education, which Aaliyah does not have.

The DOE spokesman insists that Aaliyah has eight years of teaching experience, saying she started in 2017 under an alternative NYC certification. However, city and state records show otherwise. She obtained a transitional special-ed teacher certificate in 2019, and her initial certificate in February 2023.

The DOE spokesman also defended the hiring, stating that the “totality of a person’s resume and experience were considered, and Ms. Banks’ certification in special education made her an ideal candidate for this role.”

Aaliyah’s current salary, $98,481, is based on eight years of teaching with a Master’s degree, according to the DOE spokesman. This is up from $79,193 in FY 2022-23, the latest payroll data available.

The appointment has raised concerns about nepotism and favoritism within the DOE. One teacher commented, “It’s not surprising that the chancellor’s daughter is benefitting from the Banks family’s second generation of nepotism,” said a teacher informed of the move. “Why would I expect his daughter to meet the minimum requirements?”

The DOE spokesman said nine of 33 applicants tapped for similar jobs in nine districts “were hired with licenses outside of those listed on the job description,” including six in special-ed.

Chancellor Banks, superintendent Cintron, and Aaliyah Banks did not return requests for comment.