School District 15’s Community Education Council (CEC) now has a president and chairperson.
Traditionally, CECs, which are volunteer parents’ groups advocating for public schools, have been led by a president.
But District 15’s CEC, which represents Red Hook, Park Slope and Sunset Park, wanted to split duties between two members.
“We were talking about having co−presidents but somebody pointed out that the statute doesn’t permit that,” explained CEC member Jim Devor, who was elected president.
In his new role, Devor will be the face of the CEC.
“The president would be representing the council in its external manifestations like district leadership teams and things of that nature,” Devor said.
Teresa Lantigua was elected chairperson. Her duties will include running the CEC’s monthly meetings and overseeing the council’s office.
Although it’s unprecedented for a CEC to elect both a chair and president, the city Education Department (DOE) may allow it.
A source says CECs are required to elect a chair but may elect any other officers as desired.
Oddly enough, Brooklyn’s CECs have generally elected presidents — not chairpersons.
Questions remain about the validity of the CEC election. That’s because mayoral control is not in effect, which means that CECs do not legally exist.
A DOE source says the department is encouraging councils to continue meeting.
Without legal CECs, school boards have regained authority. However, the law says they can’t elect members until next spring.
District 15’s CEC unsuccessfully petitioned the DOE to recognize the council as a school board.
