<!--StartFragment-->I’ve been asked to provide some basics about what Community Education Councils are, and what they do. New CEC elections for all 32 school districts are coming up soon; a future post will discuss the time line and procedure. But some CEC spots are open right now. To find out if there are any vacancies in your district and how to apply, please contact Jacqui Lipson at jlipson@schools.nyc.gov.

What are CECs?: Until mayoral control, Community School Boards, comprised of local groups of elected advisors, were responsible for educational policy and spending decisions for each of New York City's 32 community school districts. These boards were abolished in 2003, and replaced by the Community Education Councils.CECs have eleven members, two of whom are appointed by the borough president. (See below for details on the selection process.) CEC parent members serve two-year terms, after which they may run once more if they still have kids in elementary or middle school. Check here for the DOE's FAQ about CECs.

Governor Pataki signed CECs into law in July 2003, at which time he was quoted as saying "Today’s creation of the new community governance structure will complete the final step in implementing those sweeping reforms of the city’s education system by ensuring that parents, community residents and citizens have a voice in how our children are educated." Yet many parents and other residents continue to express concern that their voices are not well-represented in DOE policymaking.

How are CEC members chosen? In a process overseen by the DOE, CEC candidates nominate themselves and are voted on by PTA officers from their district. Many elected officials, education advocates and CEC members would like to see CEC members instead be elected in a public process, similar to the way Community School Boards were elected, but in November, as part of a larger election. To make this happen the State legislature will have to write it into the mayoral control law when it comes up for renewal this June.

What do CECs do? CECs bring parent issues and interests to the DOE at the district level. They gather information, convene meetings where parents can express their views, and pass resolutions. In most cases the role is advisory—a rare exception is that the DOE cannot change school zone lines without CEC approval. The powers and duties include approving of school zone lines and promoting student achievement. CECs generally meet twice a month during the school year, less in the summer. One meeting is public and open to all, and the other is a working session for CEC members. Issues CECs address include overcrowding and space utilization, kindergarten admission processes, and capital plan funding of school repairs.CECs discuss and debate with the DOE. This past year, our CEC dealt with zoning issues and helped schools respond to the new capital plan. We are now looking at how charter schools share space in public school buildings. We also held a mayoral control forum: most parents thought the law gives too little voice to parents.

Should you serve on a CEC?: Like most volunteer work, serving on a CEC is both gratifying and frustrating, mainly because the organization's role in actual decision-making is almost purely advisory. But the satisfaction of achieving something once in a while for your child and community is real, and in the meantime you get to be part of the education debate, which is always lively in this town. I myself am off CEC3 come June, as my child will be graduating from middle school. The most experienced person on our CEC, Teresa Arboleda, is term-limited out. So if you have a child in District 3 Schools, please think about serving. All districts will have openings this year. You'll be helping your kids, their schools -- and their friends and your neighbors.<!--EndFragment-->