The city’s embattled schools chief had the audience at his annual address Tuesday oddly read a poem with him that Nelson Mandela “recited everyday while locked up”— after delivering a speech of little substance that provided no metrics on how students are faring.
The famous poem, “Invictus,” written by English poet William Ernest Henley in 1875, includes lines such as, “My head is bloody, but unbowed,” and, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
“Nelson Mandela recited it every single day while he was locked up,” said Chancellor David Banks — whose home was raided last week as part of a suspected corruption probe — to reporters after the event at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens.
“It’s the greatest poem that I know of because everybody can relate to it, because everybody goes through something,” said Banks — whose two brothers and fiancee, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, have been ensnared in the City Hall scandal, too.
“It’s a poem that can speak to your spirit, to help let you know that no matter how challenging things might be, stand up and believe in yourself, and at the end of the day, you’ll be OK,” the schools chief said.
But Banks’ second State of the Schools address was less inspiring to those looking for concrete metrics on the potential progress of city schoolkids.
In his speech to school superintendents, principals and education advocates, Banks touted the progress of the city’s NYC Reads program but agreed there is still “lots of work to do.”
He vaguely listed priorities for the year, which he said include the opening of accelerated high schools in underprivileged areas. The first of its kind HBCU Early College Prep School is set to open in Queens next fall.
He said the school district is studying the use of AI in tracking students’ progress, with him launching an advisery council of more than 20 people next month to navigate options.
The offer of free tele-therapy for teens was also touted by Banks.
But missing were any mention of graduation rates, test scores and enrollment, especially given the influx of migrant kids into the system — all issues that parents have said are foremost in their minds.
When asked about the metrics, a schools rep told The Post that the figures are readily available online.
Banks’ speech came as federal authorities appear to be closing in on Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, with law enforcement launching a stunning series of recent raids on Hizzoner’s top lieutenants, closest political allies and most trusted aides.
Banks, his brother Terence and a third sibling, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks are among those embroiled in the probe.
None have been arrested, and the schools shancellor has maintained he is “not a target.”
Adams attended Tuesday’s event, but unlike last year, did not make a speech.
“This morning, the mayor attended Chancellor David Banks’ State of the Schools address with hundreds of educational leaders and community members to celebrate the significant progress made across New York City public schools,” a City Hall rep told The Post in a statement.
“This event was about our students, not showmanship, which is why the chancellor displayed several exciting new initiatives that will propel our students to new heights, and we can’t wait to see them succeed.”
During an off-topic press conference later at City Hall, Adams was vocal of the chancellor’s “amazing” work with the school system.
“What he’s doing in the school system is just a continuation of what I believe this administration is going to be proud of as we continue to move forward” Hizzoner said.
— Additional reporting by Haley Brown
