When Community Education Councils (CECs) function well, they provide a vital platform for parents to shape public education. In NYC, elected parents advise the Department of Education on policy, programs, zoning, and more. But too often, CECs have lacked the support and infrastructure needed to make participation truly accessible – creating space for a small, often divisive group to dominate, despite not representing most public school families.

This year, we made a deliberate choice to engage in the election process. Rooted in our 25-year commitment to educational equity, AQE supported and uplifted equity-minded parents running for CECs across the city – and most of them won.

The parents we supported advocate for safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive public schools. They oppose criminalization and privatization, fight for full funding, and push for integration that centers historically marginalized communities. Their vision is grounded in justice, anti-oppression, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

We brought our organizing power to this election – not just to support strong candidates, but to boost turnout through grassroots organizing in key districts. While some schools had resources to run outreach and voting events, many others did not. Despite barriers – including ballot errors, system delays, and a turnout of just 2% – parents showed up, organized, and led.

We know the DOE must do far more to support meaningful family engagement in the CEC process. As always, we urge the DOE to partner with parents and communities who understand the system best and are committed to equity, so that future elections are more accessible, transparent, and empowering for all.