Anybody interested in learning about how the parent councils are working --- or in some cases not working -- around the city should check out NY 1 education reporter Lindsey Christ'sseries on District 16 in Bedford Stuyvesant. The Community Education Councilin that district -- the smallest and lowest-performing district in the city -- only has two members, too few to make a quorum or conduct business.

The reporter was denied access to the March district council meeting - a public forum. This is a timely report, especially as voting deadlines were extended for the newly created citywide council for parents of non-English speaking students, and the citywide council on special education. It seems that it may be difficult to get parents to serve on those councils as well.

Other parent councils around the city have a far better record of community involvement. The NY1 report cites District 3 on the Upper West Side as an example of a functioning board.

Last year, we reported that few parent representatives voted in the council elections. Changes in the state mayoral control law were supposed to add some clout to the councils, especially with regard to school school locations and zoning.

We'd like to hear from parents. How does the council in your district work? Do you feel that parents have an effective voice?