Summer may be in full swing, but it will soon be time to send children back to school.
To prepare for the upcoming school year, District 18’s Community Education Council (CEC), a parent volunteer group advocating for schools in Canarsie and East Flatbush, is asking parents to apply for the three vacant seats on the council.
“We’re looking for concerned parents who are looking to participate in elevating the education of our schoolchildren,” CEC President James Dandridge said last week at the council’s meeting at the District 18 satellite office on East 95th Street.
Members of the CEC are required to attend the council’s monthly meetings, which feature discussions about issues affecting schools in the district.
Council members are given direct access to top city Department of Education staffers. Present at each CEC’s monthly calendar meeting is the district’s community superintendent. It is at these sessions that CEC members can bring their concerns and questions about new DOE policies and programs straight to the superintendent.
Council members also play a significant role if and when a district decides to refigure zoning lines, which determine what schools neighborhood children attend.
Council spots are not open to parents currently serving on a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or School Leadership Team.
To obtain an application to serve on District 18’s CEC, contact the council at 718-566-6037 or email cec18@schools.nyc.gov. The deadline for applications is September 25.
