WHAT IS A CEC?

Community Education Councils (CECs) are public bodies that advise on education policy. They are created by state legislature and are responsible for reviewing and evaluating the district's educational programs and assessing their effect on student achievement, approving zoning lines, holding public hearings on certain matters, and more. 

CECs represent and work for the community of the community school district they serve. They have the opportunity to engage with and hear directly from their school communities, provide information, and advocate on their behalf. There are eleven voting members and one non-voting high school student member. Voting CEC members are parents themselves, with the probable exception of two community members appointed by the borough president. CEC members are unpaid volunteers.

CECs work with representatives across various divisions of NYC Public Schools, community organizations, elected officials, and other stakeholders, in order to promote achievement of educational standards and objectives for all students in their districts' schools. 

CECs have an open communication with all members of the school community and hold public meetings every month with the community schools superintendent so that parents and the community have a public forum where to air their concerns. 

Each of the 32 geographic school districts in the City of New York is served by a Community Education Council. Each CEC represents current Pre-K through 8th grade students in public, non-charter schools within its Community School District. There are four Citywide Education Councils that represent other specific populations of our public school students across New York City. They are, the Citywide Council for High Schools, the Citywide Council for Special Education, the Citywide Council for English Language Learners, and the Citywide Council for District 75.

If you are interested in applying to serve on the CEC 16, please follow the steps included in this application.

Click here for the Parent Leadership Structure Map

September 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are reaching out to inform you of two specific vacancies on the Community Education Council for District 16 (CEC 16). We are actively seeking applications from parents who meet specific eligibility criteria for these roles.

The current openings are for:

1. ELL Parent Member: Parents of students who are current or former English Language Learners.
2. D75 Program Parent Member: Parents of students enrolled in a District 75 program within District 16.

We highly encourage parents who meet these qualifications to apply. This is a wonderful opportunity to play a crucial role in the decision-making processes that directly affect our educational programs and student performance.

CEC 16 members are integral to our community's educational advocacy, providing a voice for parents and students in our district. Members are involved in approving zoning lines, reviewing educational programs, assessing their impact on student achievement, and engaging with the community to relay concerns, provide information, and advocate effectively.

To apply, please download and complete the application form available here, and submit it via email to the Office of Family Engagement (FACE) at CCECinfo@schools.nyc.gov.

If you have any questions or need further details about the application process, please contact us at CEC16@schools.nyc.gov or call us at (929) 397-3786.

We look forward to welcoming new members to these vital roles and appreciate your interest in enhancing the educational experiences of our students.

In Partnership, 
The Members of the Community Education Council for District 16