Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carranza are encouraging parents to run for seats on Community and Citywide Education Councils.
By Forum Staff
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza recently kicked off the 2019 Community and Citywide Education Council election cycle by urging parents to run for seats on the education policy advisory bodies.
According to the administration, Community and Citywide Education Council elections take place every two years. There are 36 Councils across the city, which are required by State law and chancellor’s regulations, including 32 Community Education Councils, the Citywide Council on High Schools, the Citywide Council on English Language Learners, the Citywide Council on Special Education, and the Citywide Council for District 75. The 32 CECs are responsible for approving school zoning lines, holding hearings on the capital plan, and providing input on instructional and policy issues. Citywide Councils advise on and advocate for school policy affecting the specific needs of the students they represent. Each applicant for a CEC position must be a parent of a student enrolled in a district elementary or middle school (Pre-K-8), while applicants for the Citywide Council on High Schools must have a child in high school. Eligible applicants for the other three Citywide Councils must have a student receiving the respective services and programs. Parents serve two-year terms.
The following parent leaders are eligible to vote in the Education Council elections, according to the City Department of Education:
• Community Education Councils: members are elected by the PA/PTA president, recording secretary, and treasurer of every school in the corresponding community school district.
• Citywide Council on High Schools: members are elected by the PA/PTA president, recording secretary, and treasurer of every high school; each borough elects two representatives.
• Citywide Council on Special Education: members are elected by parents of students with an IEP, nominated by each Presidents’ Council in NYC.
• Citywide Council on English Language Learners: members are elected by parents of English Language Learners, nominated by each Presidents’ Council in NYC.
• Citywide Council for District 75: members are elected by the PA/PTA president, recording secretary, and treasurer of every District 75 school
In addition to the nine elected members, each CEC includes two members appointed by the borough president. Each of the citywide councils includes appointees from the public advocate, and CCHS includes two members appointed by the CCSE and CCELL, respectively.
“Students are most successful when parents are empowered to hold the mayor accountable for their education promises. That is why it’s vital for parents across the city to get involved and run for their local Community Education Council,” said City Comptroller Scott Stringer. “As the proud father of two public school students I know that a great education starts with a real partnership between parents and the City.”
The City is encouraging parents to visit nycparentleaders.org to learn more about the structure and roles of the education councils. The website includes information on eligibility guidelines, key dates, and frequently asked questions. Applications can be submitted online through March 6.
“Parents know our education system the best. They see first-hand what’s working and what isn’t and nobody’s perspective is more important. When it comes to representation on local educational councils, run, parents, run!” de Blasio added.
