New York City School System Chancellor David Banks has hired his brother Terence, who runs a government consulting firm, to secure jobs and contracts for various companies. The arrangement has sparked questions about potential influence-peddling.
According to emails obtained by THE CITY, Terence worked with the chancellor to promote several companies, including 21st Century Education, which is funded by a $2 million contract with the Department of Education. This contract was awarded shortly after Banks took over as chancellor in early 2022.
Terence also recommended candidates for key positions, including a potential chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), which investigates police misconduct complaints. The CCRB’s interim chair Arva Rice was removed from her position by Chancellor Banks himself.
The investigation into Terence’s activities is ongoing and has led to scrutiny over his interactions with various city agencies and companies, including tech firm Saferwatch. It appears that the company initially worked through a lobbyist before being funneled to Terence, who then forwarded their pitch to Chancellor Banks and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.
In an interview, Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, said he had no knowledge of how his brother secured contracts with certain companies but acknowledged having conversations about Saferwatch’s “panic button” app. The company received a pilot program at several schools, which could expand its use to all city schools, according to Kevin Taylor, head of the school safety unit.
The situation has raised questions about accountability and transparency within City Hall, particularly given Chancellor Banks’ close ties to his brother.
Source: https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/08/18/banks-brothers-investigation-eric-adams