You Can Influence City Schools: How to Become a Member of the New York Board of Education

The New York City Department of Education has announced the start of elections for citywide and district boards of education. Changes have been made to the voting system to make these bodies more inclusive. Candidate applications are accepted from January 10 to February 13, they can be submitted here. More information about elections can be found https://www.izakayasushilounge.com.

“Parents of public school students represent the hopes and needs of our community. Serving on a district or city council is an opportunity to represent your school,” said Department of Education Director David Banks. “One of the four key components of our administration's activities is partnership with parents. They know their children like no one else, and we need to take their opinion into account in the process of education and upbringing of children in school and beyond.”

During the application and voting process, the Family and Community Affairs Office organizes daily information sessions in various languages ​​to help parents learn more about elections and the work of education boards. Families will be able to learn about the structure and function of education boards, eligibility requirements and receive answers to frequently asked questions.

On February 13, the acceptance of candidates' applications will end, and after that, their forums will begin - from February 27 to April 20; The voting itself will take place from April 21 to May 9. The results will be announced in June, the newly elected members of the councils will begin work on July 1.

“As a result of the 2023 elections, we hope to have a diverse board of education,” said Kenita Lloyd, Associate Director of the Department of Education for Family, Community and Outreach. "Councils give families the ability to directly influence the municipality in New York City, and for the first time, District 75 will be represented on all district boards of education."

Previously, parents of District 75 students could only apply for seats on the District 75 Citywide Council and the Citywide Council on Special Education. They now have the opportunity to run for designated seats and vote for District 75 representatives on district councils.

Board of Education system in New York

1. Community Education Council (CEC)

Each council is composed of 10 parents of children currently in grades Pre-K through 8 at one of the district's schools and two district president appointees. CECs work closely with county inspectors on issues such as approving zoning boundaries, holding capital planning hearings, and reviewing important education policy issues.

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2. Citywide Council on High Schools (CCHS)

CCHS is made up of 10 elected members (two from each borough of the city) who are parents of current public high school students in the represented borough. The other 3 councilors are New York City Public Advocate, Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE) and Citywide Council on English Learner Education (CCELL) appointees. CCHS develops educational policy recommendations for secondary school students.

3. Citywide Council on English Language Learners (CCELL)

The council is made up of 9 elected parents of current or recent students who are English Language Learner (ELL) students. Two additional board members are appointed by the New York City Public Advocate. CCELL develops policy recommendations for students in bilingual and English as a New Language (ENL) programs.

4. Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE)

The CCSE is comprised of 9 elected parents of students receiving special education services paid for by the Department of Education. Two additional board members are appointed by the New York Public Advocate. The CCSE develops educational policy recommendations for special education services for children with disabilities.

5. Citywide Council for District 75 (CCD75)

The CCSE is composed of 9 elected parents of students in District 75 programs. An additional two board members are appointed by the New York Public Advocate. CCD75 develops educational policy recommendations for District 75's special education services for children with disabilities.