New York City parents, the opportunity to shape the future of education in your community is knocking at your door. Applications to serve on the city’s Community and City Education Councils (CECs) are now open, giving parents untill February 16 to submit their names for consideration. These councils, which represent local prekindergarten through eighth grade students in each of the city’s 32 school districts, also include four citywide councils focusing on high schoolers, students learning English as a new language, students with disabilities, and District 75 schools, which serve students with the most complex disabilities.
During a recent press conference, schools Chancellor melissa Aviles-Ramos urged parents, especially those who speak languages other than English, to apply for seats on these parent-led boards. “If you’ve never held a parent leadership role before, now is always a great time to start,” she said. “At the same time, we recognize that not everyone can dedicate time to serving on these councils, and in that case, we encourage you to get involved in other ways — whether by voting in the elections this spring, or contacting your CEC members to share your thoughts and experiences.”
What Are Community and City Education Councils?
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The city’s parent-led boards serve as largely advisory bodies, with the local councils holding direct power only to shape school zone boundaries. However,CECs provide parents with a platform to weigh in on a variety of education issues at their monthly meetings,from academics to school budgets and more. These councils help determine education policies and priorities across local districts and the city, collaborating with district superintendents and issuing resolutions and other recommendations for the school system at large.
In recent years, some local councils have ventured into political discussions, issuing statements on the Israel-hamas war and congestion pricing tolls,among other issues. City Council member Rita Joseph, a former teacher who chairs the committee on education, described the councils as “a vital space, where parents don’t only have a voice, but actively shape policies and decisions that impact their children’s school every day.” She added, “I encourage parents across the city to step forward. Your voice matters, and now is the time to use it.”
How to get Involved
Parents interested in serving on a CEC must submit their applications by february 16. Those who cannot commit to a council seat are encouraged to participate by voting in the upcoming elections or contacting their local CEC members to share their thoughts and experiences.
| Key Information | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Submission Deadline | February 16, 2025 |
| Number of Local Councils | 32 |
| Citywide Councils | High Schoolers, English Learners, Students with Disabilities, District 75 Schools |
| Primary Role | Advisory bodies shaping education policies and priorities |
| Direct Power | school zone boundaries |
This is your chance to make a difference in the education system that directly impacts your children. Whether by serving on a council, voting, or engaging with your local representatives, your involvement is crucial. As Chancellor Aviles-Ramos and City Council member Rita joseph have emphasized, your voice matters. Now is the time to use it.
New York City CEC Elections: What Parents Need to Know
New York City’s Community Education Councils (CECs) play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape for public school families. With over 350 seats up for grabs in the upcoming elections, parents and guardians have a unique opportunity to influence policies and advocate for their children’s needs. Here’s everything you need to know about running for a seat, voting, and why these elections matter.
Who Can Serve on a CEC?
To serve on a CEC, candidates must be the parent or legal guardian of a New York City public school student.However, eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific council:
- District CECs: Candidates must have a child attending pre-K through eighth grade in a public school or program within the district. Parents of children in District 75 programs can also apply for reserved seats if the program is physically located within the district.
- Citywide Council on High Schools: Candidates must have a child enrolled in a public, non-charter high school in the borough they wish to represent.
- Citywide Council on Special Education: Parents of children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in city-run, charter, or private schools are eligible.
- Citywide Council on English Language Learners: Candidates must have a child classified as an English language learner currently or previously enrolled in a dual language, transitional bilingual education, or English as a new language program.
Parents can run for multiple councils but can only serve on one. Additionally, Education Department employees are ineligible to serve while employed by the agency.
How to Run for a CEC Seat
Parents and guardians can apply for a CEC seat through their New York City Schools Account. Applications open on January 13 and close on February 16. Campaigning will run from February through April,with elected members serving a two-year term from July 1,2025,to June 30,2027.
How to Vote in CEC Elections
Parents and guardians can vote for each council that serves their children, meaning many families are eligible to vote in multiple races. Each parent gets one vote per child.
Voting is conducted online through the New york City Schools Account. However,in 2023,Education Department officials noted that roughly a third of the city’s students were not linked to an active account,highlighting the need for greater awareness and participation.
The voting period runs from April 25 to May 13,with run-off elections,if necessary,taking place from May 14 to June 2. Results will be announced in June.
Why Are Some Calling for Changes to CEC Elections?
CEC elections have faced criticism for low voter turnout and insufficient outreach. During the 2023 election cycle, only 19,000 votes were cast across the five boroughs, representing just 2% of the city’s public school families.
In November, City Comptroller Brad Lander urged the Education Department to implement reforms to improve participation and accessibility. His recommendations included better outreach strategies and streamlined voting processes to ensure more families have a voice in these critical elections.
Key Dates and Information
| Event | Date |
|————————–|——————————|
| Application Period | january 13 – February 16 |
| Campaigning | February – April |
| Voting Period | April 25 – May 13 |
| Run-off elections | May 14 – June 2 |
| Results Announcement | June 2025 |
Why Your Vote Matters
CECs are instrumental in shaping policies that directly impact your child’s education. From advocating for resources to addressing school safety concerns, elected members play a pivotal role in ensuring schools meet the needs of their communities.
If you’re a parent or guardian, take the time to activate your New York City Schools Account and participate in the upcoming elections. Your voice can make a difference.
By staying informed and engaged, New York City families can help shape a brighter future for public education. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact—apply, vote, and advocate for the changes you want to see in your schools.New York City Overhauls CEC Election Process Following Scrutiny Over 2023 Elections
New york City is implementing sweeping changes to it’s Community and Citywide Education Council (CEC) election process after a comptroller’s examination revealed significant flaws in the 2023 elections.The proposed reforms aim to address concerns raised by parent groups and investigative reports, ensuring greater openness and fairness in future elections.
The comptroller’s office, following an in-depth investigation, has recommended a series of changes to the CEC election process. These include the development of an outreach plan for every district, clearer guidelines on what constitutes a “political endorsement,” and an improved system for handling election-related complaints. These measures come in response to widespread criticism over the handling of the 2023 elections, which left many parents questioning the integrity of the results.
The investigation was prompted by concerns from two citywide parent groups,who voiced doubts about the fairness of the election process. additionally, a Chalkbeat investigation highlighted numerous issues with how the city agency managed the elections, further fueling calls for reform.
“Family voice is an essential part of any effective school system,” said Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who recently announced the opening of applications for the 2025 CEC elections. The Community and Citywide Education councils play a critical role in shaping policies that directly impact public schools, making it imperative that the election process is both transparent and inclusive.
Key Proposed Changes to the CEC Election Process
| Proposed Change | Description |
|—————————————–|———————————————————————————|
| District-Specific outreach Plans | Tailored strategies to engage parents in every district. |
| Clear Criteria for Political Endorsements| Defined guidelines to prevent undue influence in elections. |
| Enhanced Complaint Handling Process | Improved mechanisms to address and resolve election-related grievances. |
These reforms aim to restore trust in the election process and ensure that parents have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of New york City’s public schools.
A Call for Greater Parental Involvement
The CEC elections are a cornerstone of parental involvement in the city’s education system.However, the 2023 elections were marred by allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency. The comptroller’s investigation revealed that many parents felt excluded from the process, with some districts reporting low voter turnout and confusion over eligibility criteria.
The proposed changes seek to address these issues by making the election process more accessible and equitable. For example, the new outreach plans will ensure that all parents, regardless of language barriers or technological access, are informed about the elections and encouraged to participate.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Elections
as the city prepares for the 2025 CEC elections, the focus is on rebuilding trust and ensuring that every parent has a fair chance to participate. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos emphasized the importance of these councils, stating that they are “one of the most impactful ways” to incorporate family voices into the school system.
Parents interested in running for a seat on the community or Citywide Education Councils can now apply, with the election season officially underway.The reforms introduced by the comptroller’s office are expected to create a more inclusive and transparent process, empowering parents to take an active role in their children’s education.
For more information on the election process and how to apply, visit the official New York City Department of Education website.
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Julian Shen-Berro is a reporter covering new york City. Contact him at [email protected]. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization covering public education.
Ty Education Councils (CECs) are a vital link between parents, schools, and the Department of Education, ensuring that families have a say in the policies and decisions that affect their children’s education.
The proposed reforms aim to address several key issues identified in the 2023 elections:
- Low Voter Turnout: Only 19,000 votes were cast across the city,representing just 2% of eligible families. The new outreach plan will focus on increasing awareness and participation among parents and guardians.
- Lack of Openness: Manny parents reported confusion about the election process, including how to apply, campaign, and vote. Clearer guidelines and improved communication will be implemented to address these concerns.
- Handling of Complaints: The comptroller’s report highlighted the need for a more robust system to address election-related grievances. A dedicated complaint resolution process will be established to ensure fairness and accountability.
Key Changes to the CEC Election Process
- Enhanced Outreach: The Department of Education will develop targeted outreach strategies to engage more families, including multilingual resources and partnerships with community organizations.
- Clearer Guidelines: New rules will define what constitutes a “political endorsement” to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
- Improved Complaint System: A streamlined process will be introduced to handle election-related complaints, with clear timelines and accountability measures.
- Extended Voting Period: The voting window will be extended to give families more time to participate,with additional support for those who need help accessing the online voting system.
Why These Changes Matter
CECs play a critical role in shaping the educational experience for New york City’s public school students. They provide input on school zoning, budgets, and policies, and advocate for the needs of their communities. By improving the election process, the city aims to ensure that CECs truly represent the diverse voices of NYC families.
“These reforms are about making sure every parent and guardian has a fair chance to participate in the decisions that affect their children’s education,” said City Council Member Rita Joseph, a longtime advocate for parent engagement. “When families are empowered, our schools are stronger.”
How to get involved
Parents and guardians who want to make a difference in their schools are encouraged to:
- Apply for a CEC Seat: Applications are open from January 13 to February 16, 2025. Visit the New York City schools Account to apply.
- Vote in the elections: Voting will take place from April 25 to May 13, 2025. Make sure your NYC Schools Account is active and ready to cast your vote.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Department of Education and local parent groups to stay informed about the election process and key issues affecting your schools.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 CEC elections represent an prospect for New York City to rebuild trust in its parent engagement process. By implementing these reforms, the city hopes to create a more inclusive, obvious, and effective system that empowers families to shape the future of public education.
“This is about more than just elections,” said Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “It’s about ensuring that every family has a voice in their child’s education. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable school system for all.”
For more data,visit the NYC Department of education website or contact your local CEC representative.
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By staying informed and engaged, New York City families can help shape a brighter future for public education. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact—apply, vote, and advocate for the changes you want to see in your schools.
