Community Education Councils (CECs) are education policy advisory bodies responsible for reviewing and evaluating schools’ instructional programs, approving zoning lines, and advising the Chancellor. CECs play an essential role in shaping educational policies for the New York City public schools. Each CEC consists of nine elected parent volunteers who provide hands-on leadership and support for their community’s public schools. Council members hold meetings at least every month with the superintendent and public at-large to discuss the current state of the schools in the district.
There are 32 CECs in New York City. Each CEC covers a Community School District that includes public elementary, intermediate, and junior high schools. The Brooklyn CB6 district overlaps primarily with Community School District 15, and a small portion of Community School District 13.
Parents of public school students may apply to run for election to a Community or Citywide Education Council. Eligibility requirements are set forth in Chancellor’s Regulations (at sections D-140, D-150, D-160 and D-170). The application period for candidates opened on February 13th and closes at 11:59pm on March 27th. Interested and eligible parents can apply online to become a candidate.
Parent members will be selected by designated selectors during a Selector’s Vote held from May 1 to May 14, 2013. The PA/PTA President, Secretary, and Treasurer (or their respective designees) for every school in the community school district will be eligible to cast votes in the Selector’s Vote.