What is a Community Education Council?

Community Education Councils (CECs) are public bodies that advise on education policy. They are created by state legislature and are responsible for reviewing and evaluating the district's educational programs, approving zoning lines, holding public hearings on certain matters, and more. 

CECs represent and work for the community of the community school district they serve (in our case, CSD 32). There are eleven voting members and one non-voting high school student member. Voting CEC members are parents themselves, with the probable exception of two community members appointed by the borough president. CEC members are volunteers and do not receive remuneration for their work. 

CECs work with representatives across various divisions of the NYC Department of Education, community organizations, elected officials, and other stakeholders, in order to promote achievement of educational standards and objectives for all students in their districts' schools. 

CECs have an open communication with all members of the school community and hold public meetings every month with the community schools superintendent so that parents and the community have a public forum where to air their concerns. 

There are 32 CECs in New York City. Each CEC represents current Pre-K through 8th grade students in public, non-charter schools within its Community School District.