By Anna Gustafson
Parents interested in running for a seat on a city education council have until March 12 to nominate themselves, city Schools Chancellor Joel Klein said.
“Citywide education councils represent the interests of parents in education policy and in broad citywide debates about how we can raise student achievement,” Klein said. “I encourage parents who want to have a role in influencing policy to run for council seats in this year’s elections.”
Individuals may apply online for the CECs as well as the citywide Council on Special Education or the new Council on English Language Learners by submitting forms at powertotheparents.org.
CECs, of which there are 32 in the city, were created after Mayor Michael Bloomberg was granted control of the schools in 2002. They are charged with evaluating schools’ instructional programs, approving school zoning and advising Klein. Up to nine parents may be elected to sit on a council and two individuals are appointed by the borough president.
Last summer, Gov. David Paterson signed a new school governance law calling for the creation of the Council on English Language Learners and broadening the Council on Special Education to include parents or guardians of students with individualized education programs.
Reach reporter Anna Gustafson by e-mail at agustafson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
