Res. No. 1801
Resolution calling upon the State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.792/S.1406, regarding the appointment of the New York City Board of Education members, commonly known as the Panel for Educational Policy, and concerning the appointment of the Chancellor of Education.
By Council Members Jackson, Chin, Fidler, James, Koppell, Lander, Mendez and Palma
Whereas, In New York City, the thirteen member body designated as the Board of Education in New York State Education Law is currently known as the Panel for Educational Policy; and
Whereas, A.792/S.1406, introduced by Assemblyman David Weprin and Senator Velmonette Montgomery, would end mayoral control over the constitution of the Panel for Educational Policy and allow the Mayor to appoint four members of the Panel; and
Whereas, The current system governing the New York City public school system gives the Mayor great control over the constitution of the Panel for Educational Policy; and
Whereas, The current system gives the Mayor the power to appoint the absolute majority of eight on the Panel for Educational Policy; and
Whereas, The legislation would authorize the Council of the City of New York to appoint four members of the Panel for Educational Policy; and
Whereas, The bill provides that of the four members appointed by the Council, one shall be a representative of a college or university, one shall be a member of a parent organization, one shall be a member of a community district council, and one shall be appointed at large; and
Whereas, The current system gives the Mayor the power to appoint the Chancellor of the New York City Board of Education; and
Whereas, The bill provides that the Chancellor shall be appointed by the Panel for Educational Policy who will select and negotiate the salary of the Chancellor; and
Whereas, Accordingly, this legislation would alter the constitution of the Panel for Educational Policy so that five members are appointed by each Borough President of the City of New York, four members are appointed by the Mayor of the City of New York, and four members are appointed by the Council of the City of New York; and
Whereas, The bill maximizes parental and community involvement, giving power back to those who best understand children's needs and skills amidst a degrading public school system; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York upon the State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.792/S.1406, regarding the appointment of the New York City Board of Education members, commonly known as the Panel for Educational Policy, and concerning the appointment of the Chancellor of Education.
JP/AK
LS# 4437
4/18/13