What are Education Councils?
Education councils help shape policies and priorities for New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). By law, each council has powers and duties concerning a range of matters, including working directly with district superintendents, reviewing educational programs, approving school zoning lines, and making recommendations to improve services to NYCPS students. There are 32 Community Education Councils (CECs) and four Citywide Councils. Community Education Councils allow parents to get involved on the borough level where as the Citywide councils allow parents to get involved on the Citywide level. If you’d like to contribute to NYC public education policy check out more information below.
District/Borough Parent Leadership
CECs are volunteer parents and community leaders dedicated to supporting local district schools to improve student achievement. Their responsibilities include evaluate educational programs and student progress, recommending improvements to school buildings, evaluating the superintendents, approving school zoning lines and much more. Learn more about them below.
Citywide Parent Leadership
Citywide Education Councils are volunteer parents and community leaders who are responsible for advising and commenting on NYCPS educational practices that concern specific populations of students. There are four Citywide Councils, each representing a particular student group which are: Citywide Council on High Schools, Citywide Council on English Language Learners, Citywide Council on Special Education, Citywide Council for District 75. Learn more about them below
2025 Community and Citywide Education Council Elections are almost here!
Participating as a candidate or a voter is your chance to help shape the future of your school community, so it's important to get involved and make your voice heard.
Participating in the council elections as a candidate or voter is your opportunity to help shape the future of your school community, so be sure to get involved and make your voice heard. If you’re considering running for a seat you can find answers to frequently asked questions and learn more about the election process below.
Helpful Resources
Roles and Responsibilities
To support council members in fulfilling their role, Education Councils have a paid administrative assistant who handles day-to-day administration.
Monthly Planning Calendar
See suggested time frames and deadlines pertaining to council work to help you plan your meetings for the year.
Technical Training
Education Council members must take a minimum of two DOE-sponsored technical trainings on the powers, duties and functions of Education Councils per term.
Chancellor’s Regulations
There are many Chancellor’s Regulations that impact the work of Education Council members. The key regulations are listed here.
Code of Conduct
Learn the rules, standards, and guidance for Citywide and Community Education Council (CCEC) members’ conduct in the performance of their duties.