Schools Chancellor David Banks gave an inside look into his plan for New York City public schools for the next year.

Safety and improving education are at the forefront of Banks' plans. This includes bringing in over 1,000 school safety agents. When it comes to masks in the classroom, he's confident come Monday that they will be optional for students.

Banks is also focusing heavily on education. He says the Department of Education isn't doing a good job teaching children how to read, and he wants to get that necessity down as well as zone in on special programs.

As far as health and safety goes, he says schools have been the safest places to be during most of the pandemic thanks to masks and vaccinations.

Banks adds the option to wear a mask in the classroom is still there and should be based upon a parent and student's comfort level.