NYC School Students Could Get Longer Weekdays, Weekend Classes

NEW YORK CITY — New York City public school students could see big changes in their schedules if incoming chancellor David Banks has his way.

Banks, who is mayor-elect Eric Adams’ appointee to lead the nation’s largest school district, told PIX11 Morning News this week that he wants to radically change the way teachers, parents and students view the academic year.

The upcoming school year could include longer weekdays, weekend classes and summer learning, he said. And with coronavirus cases on the rise, Banks hasn't ruled out remote learning as an option.

“Teachers very often may say, ‘I don’t want to work on Saturday, I don’t want to work all year long.’ But if we continue to do things the way we’ve been doing them? We’ll continue to get the same results,” he told the TV station.

Banks did not say whether the proposed extended hours or summer programs would be mandatory for every student.

During an interview Tuesday with NY1, he said he understood how challenging the coronavirus pandemic has been for many teachers. To supplements their hard work inside the classroom, he said he wants to bring in community-based organizations to help students succeed in their classes and get extra help.

In addition, Banks has told multiple news outlets that he believes in revamping some of the city’s current curricula for one that promotes early reading and "getting back to the basics."

Banks will not officially assume his new role as chancellor until January.

SEE ALSO:

• David Banks Is Mayor-Elect Adams' NYC School Chancellor Pick
• Could NYC Families Once Again Have A Remote Option? Incoming Chancellor David Banks Says Yes.