School District 21’s Community Education Council (CEC) has elected a new president and executive officers — but questions remain about whether or not the votes count.
That’s because mayoral control is not in effect, meaning that CECs do not legally exist and the validity of elections is suspect.
Some councils are forgoing their elections and official business to hold “informal information sessions,” as was the case in District 18 in Canarsie. These CECs believe they can officially cast votes if and when the state legislature reauthorizes mayoral control.
The city Education Department wouldn’t say whether or not the election in District 21 was valid.
Instead, a spokesperson noted, “We’re encouraging them to continue and we’re going to continue working with them while we await the reauthorization.”
According to insiders, the fate of CECs could go either way. The elections could be considered valid or nixed entirely.
In any case, members of District 21’s CEC seemed satisfied to elect new officers.
Dionne Hastings, who has served on the CEC for several years, was elected president.
Last year’s president, Yoketing Eng, was selected as first vice president. Mohammad Akram was chosen as second vice president. Marla Edmonson was named recording secretary and Stuart Handman was elected treasurer.
District 21’s CEC advocates for public schools in Coney Island, Brighton and Bensonhurst.