It truly takes a village to raise a child and building a supportive and nurturing school community is essential to the successful development of young minds. From teachers and administrators to parents and community members, we all play a vital role in creating an environment that fosters learning, growth, and, most importantly, a deep sense of belonging.
Each child is unique and requires a tailored approach to their education. And with the support of a caring school community, we can ensure that every child receives the attention and opportunities they need to succeed in life. I take immense pride in my role on the Community Educational Council and feel privileged to be a volunteer parent of thousands — that’s how much I care.
What does the Community Education Council do?
As unpaid public officials established under New York state law, Education Council members are responsible for promoting educational equity in their district. They are elected every two years to assess the effectiveness of educational programs and provide actionable feedback to the superintendent through monthly publicly-accessible meetings.
These monthly meetings can create a more inclusive and responsive educational environment because program creators can hear the concerns and needs of all stakeholders. By involving parents, teachers, students and other community members, Education Council members can build trust and support for the schools in their district and ensure that they are responsive to the needs and concerns of all students.
Why should parents care?
Parents and guardians play critical roles in their children’s education. Although today’s working parents have little time and energy, they can still create a conducive and nurturing environment that encourages learning and growth. They can stay involved in their child’s schoolwork, attend parent-teacher meetings and maintain open communication channels with their children’s teachers. They can provide encouragement and motivation to their children to read, develop math skills, and ask questions.
Creating a solid relationship between the school, parents, and the community is instrumental to this process. If re-elected, my ongoing plan is to work closely with parents and guardians to provide valuable resources, guidance, and knowledge that can help them support their child’s learning.
As a single mother of two, I possess a unique perspective on the challenges that vulnerable and diverse students face while navigating the public school system and IEPs. While working hand in hand with legislators, I also helped pass Erin’s Law, Fred’s Law and the Child Victims Act to protect the most vulnerable in our community. I know our schools and our students’ needs.
In conclusion, my ultimate goal is to support parents and students by creating an enabling and supportive community that allows children to achieve their full potential. I welcome transparency and open communication, and I am committed to listening to and understanding the needs of all members of our community.
Voting runs from April 21 to May 9. Parents can vote by logging into their NYC Schools account.
