This month the Department of Education is calling for public school parents to run for a seat on the citywide and community district parent councils. Applications will be available on March 23, according to the Office of Family Information and Action (OFIA).

In 2009 I answered such a call and served as a member of a Bronx district council.  I did this first and foremost for my son who was in middle school. Knowing there is a lack of information available to parents in my community , I hoped that my years as a PTA president, School Leadership Team chair, and Insideschools.org reviewer would be an asset.

I believed that parents had the power to make real change within the community council structure, that despite flaws in the system, we could still offer support, resources, and information to families and schools in our community.  I was fortunate to work with strong team members in District 10, and a very engaged district family advocate and superintendent. Unlike many other education councils, we had no internal squabbles and usually had enough members to make a quorum at meetings.

However, it became clear to me very soon that parents had lost their faith in the councils' ability to address their concerns or to effect change. Attendance at the meetings was consistently low. At the orientation and trainings for council members, it became apparent by the grumbling that they were increasingly frustrated with the lack of power. Officials at OFIA were usually gracious and patient as members expressed their irritation, but they could not provide direct solutions.<!--more-->

What do the CDECs do?

Due to the various restructurings at the DOE over the past eight years, parents and administrators alike seem genuinely confused about the role of the CDEC. “What do the CDEC’s do?” was the question posed to me again and again as I made contact with the principals in my group of 10 schools.  They wanted to know: “What exactly can you do for us now?”  “What power do you have to stop or push through a proposal?”

I could only tell them, “We are liaisons who can convey and share information with the superintendent, board members, and community.  We can become aware of facility needs and help the school submit a grant.”  The principals shared with us their many pressing social and financial needs, but we could only nod and listen. We were powerless to directly intervene for the parents or schools who came to us for aid.

Despite all of  this, I was willing to fulfill my term, assisting whereever I could . As a freelancer for Insideschools.org I agreed not to write school profiles or submit comments about schools in my district when I was elected. This was extremely frustrating as all council members visit schools and have access to information that would benefit parents. Eventually I had to step down due to “conflict of interest.”

I am glad to see that changes have been made to the nominating system and PA and PTA members can now nominate themselves for a council position. That’s a good thing.  But, even if the most involved and aware parents join the councils, they will find there are too few opportunities to make an impact.

I honor those who continue to work on the community and citywide councils and I would never discourage anyone from serving.  Our schools, communities and parents need you.

Considering joining a council? Here are my suggestions:

  • Sit in on a few monthly meetings
  • Talk to current board members about their initiatives
  • Consider your intended role and what you can offer
  • Talk to your district superintendent about what she would like to accomplish
  • Learn about your district’s challenges
  • Ask questions of your child's school to find out how they have interacted with the CDEC.
  • Get to know your district’s family advocate

These simple steps will help you realize how well your council might function and whether or not you have what it takes to dig in and help out.

Applications will be accepted from March 25 to April 9. The organization Power to the Parents once again will be handling the elections. Check their site for information later this month.