Tracey Collins Retires Amid Investigation into Job Allegations
Tracey Collins, a prominent figure within the New York City Department of Education and the longtime partner of Mayor Eric Adams, has officially retired this week as an investigation unfolds regarding allegations that her well-compensated position was essentially a “no-show” job. Collins’s retirement took effect on Monday, with her final day at work recorded as November 1, according to departmental sources.
The Daily News has reported that city officials are probing claims suggesting that Collins’s job involved a minimal workload, primarily consisting of virtual meetings. Nathaniel Styer, a spokesperson for the department, confirmed the existence of this investigation.
During her tenure, Collins earned an impressive salary of $279,684, as documented by See Through NY, a comprehensive database detailing salaries within New York government. Her retirement marks yet another departure among several high-ranking city officials amidst a broader corruption scandal that has resulted in the indictment of Mayor Adams on charges related to bribery and other misconduct.
“Ms. Collins dedicated over 30 years to serving public school students as a teacher, principal, and administrator, and we wish her all the best in her retirement,” Styer stated in an official comment.
Collins could not be reached for immediate comment regarding her retirement or the ongoing investigation. The city’s Department of Investigation has also opted not to provide details concerning the inquiry into Collins’s role.
Commencing her career as a teacher, Collins subsequently ascended to the role of principal at various public schools throughout the city. She transitioned to an administrative position within the Education Department around 2007. In July 2022, only six months following Adams’s inauguration as mayor, she was elevated to a senior adviser position under David Banks, who was the schools chancellor at the time and retired last month.
This promotion sparked considerable backlash, primarily because the role was newly created and resulted in a salary increase of approximately 20 percent for Collins.
The Adams administration has firmly rejected allegations of favoritism, including criticisms surrounding the hiring of Sheena Wright, the wife of Mr. Banks, as first deputy mayor. Notably, Wright resigned after federal agents confiscated the couple’s mobile phones during an investigation into the younger brother of Mr. Banks, Terence Banks.
Although Collins and Adams have maintained a relatively low public profile together, they share an apartment in Fort Lee, New Jersey. One of their most noteworthy collaborations occurred during Adams’s tenure as a state senator, where they launched a public service campaign encouraging young individuals to avoid wearing saggy pants.
Reporting contributions by Sarah Maslin Nir are acknowledged.
