Requires at least one parent of a child attending a charter school to be a member of the board of education and the various councils of the New York city school district

BILL NUMBER:S6100

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring parental representation on the board of education of the city school district of the city of New York and on certain other councils for such school district

Purpose

The bill requires at least one parent of a child attending a charter school to be a member of the board of education and the various councils of the New York City school districts.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends paragraph (a) of Subdivision 1 of section 2590-b of the education law to require that at least one of the two mayoral appointees to the city school district board of education be a parent of a child attending a charter school within the city district. The parent appointee can continue to serve in the board for two years after their child conclusion of their child's attendance at a charter school.

Section 2 amends subparagraph 1 of paragraph (a) of subdivision 4 of section 2590-b of the education law to include a parent of a child attending a charter school within the city district in the nine voting members of city-wide council on Special Education.

Section 3 amends subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of subdivision 5 of section 2590-b of the education law to include a parent of a child attending a charter school within the city district in the nine voting members of the city-wide council on. English language.

Section 4 amends subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of subdivision 6 of section 2590-b of the education law to include a parent of a child attending a charter school within the city district in the nine voting members of the city-wide council on high schools.

Section 5 amends Paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 2590-c of the education law to include a parent of a child attending a charter school within the city district in the nine voting members of the community district education councils

Section 6 states that effective date of this bill shall be July 1 next succeeding enactment. However, amendments to section 2590-b and 2590-c shall not affect the expiration of such sections and shall expire therewith.

Justification

While education policy can sometimes create a wide range of opinions, there is universal agreement that the active participation of parents in the school system is essential. Parents bring a perspective that that is invaluable in formulating policies that are consistent with the students served by our public schools.

There are numerous advisory bodies to the New York City Department of Education that include, by law, parent representatives. Among them are the Panel on Education Policy, and panels that advise the Department of Education on high school, special education, and English language learner policy. Parents, by law, also serve on local community education councils.

Unfortunately, the unique perspective of public charter school parents is currently ignored in the New York City public school system. This legislation would correct that oversight. These parent's opinions, ideas, energy and willingness to serve should be honored just as those of parents with students in the traditional public school system. Including them can help bridge the gap between traditional and charter public schools, while bringing a broader perspective to the work of these important advisory bodies.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

The effective date of this bill shall be July 1 next succeeding enactment. However, amendments to section 2590-b and 2590-c shall not affect the expiration of such sections and shall expire therewith.