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Parents who are interested in getting involved at the community school district or citywide level have a number of options, including:
Community Education Councils
In every Community School District, there is a community education council that represents parents of pre-kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. Each Community Education Council (CEC) is composed of 12 members, including 11 voting members, nine of whom are parents in the district and two of whom are appointed by the borough presidents. The final member is a non-voting high school senior appointed by the community superintendent. Together, the members of the CEC have a voice in determining educational policies in the district in which they live. They hold regular public meetings, approve changes in zoning lines, assist School Leadership Teams, evaluate the community superintendents, and advise the DOE on policies affecting their districts. (Find out more about CECs.)
Citywide Council for Special Education
The Citywide Council for Special Education (CCSE) advises the Department of Education on educational and instructional policy involving citywide special education services in District 75. The CCSE holds at least one public meeting a month for families to discuss issues facing students with disabilities. The Council also issues an annual progress report on citywide special education services and makes recommendations for improvement.
Citywide Council for High Schools
The Citywide Council for High Schools (CCHS) advises and comments on educational and instructional policies related to high schools. The CCHS holds at least one meeting per month at which families discuss issues relating to high school education. The Council also issues an annual progress report on high schools and makes recommendations for improvement.
Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council
The Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) is comprised of presidents of the district presidents’ councils or their designees. CPAC consults with the district presidents’ councils to identify concerns, trends, and policy issues, and it advises the Chancellor on DOE policies.
Panel for Educational Policy
The Mayor appoints eight of the members of the Panel for Educational Policy, including the Chancellor. Five other members are appointed by the borough presidents and must be parents of children in the New York City public schools. The panel’s responsibilities include approving standards, policies, objectives, and regulations that are directly related to educational achievement and student performance, as well as certain contracts, an estimated annual operating budget, and the DOE capital plan.
The panel holds a public meeting every month, which always includes a public comment section. Every parent can attend the monthly meeting to learn about DOE policies and express his or her opinion to the Chancellor and the other members of the panel. (Find out more about the Panel for Educational Policy.)
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