Citywide and Community Education Councils
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There are 32 Community Education Councils (CECs) in New York City. Each CEC oversees a Community School District that includes public elementary, intermediate, and junior high schools. Additionally, there are two Citywide Education Councils that represent the interests of high school and special education parents.  All Community and Citywide Education Council members are selected for two-year terms by the Parent Associations or Parent Teacher Associations (PA/PTAs) of the schools in their district.
 
Each CEC has 12 members, including nine parents selected by the district's PA/PTAs, two members appointed by the Borough President, and one student member selected by the Community Superintendent. On the Citywide Council for Special Education, the two appointments are made by the Public Advocate.
 
CECs hold monthly public meetings, and contribute to shaping educational policy in their districts.  While different CECs may have different priorities, they share the same set of responsibilities established by state law and implemented through regulations of the Chancellor. These responsibilities include: approving school zoning lines, holding hearings on the capital plan, evaluating community superintendents, and providing input on other important policy issues.
 
If you have any additional questions about the Community Education Councils, feel free to contact the Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy's CEC Administrative Coordinator, Jacqui Lipson, at (212) 374-2425 or jlipson@schools.nyc.gov.