About Community Education Council 27

Empowering parents, championing students, and shaping educational policies to foster excellence across Queens District 27.

What is a CEC?

A Community Education Council (CEC) is a parent-led public body responsible for advising and commenting on educational policies, as well as advocating for NYC Public School students. Each of the NYC 32 school districts has its own CEC, serving as a critical bridge between parents, school administrators, and the NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) leadership.

What CEC 27 Does

CEC 27 acts as a powerful voice for our local community. We engage in hands-on advocacy, host public town halls to discuss educational initiatives, review key administrative policies, and interface directly with school superintendents. We work tirelessly to ensure that our neighborhood schools receive the resources, curriculum standards, and structural support they deserve.

Responsibilities & Authority

By NYS education law, CECs hold unique statutory powers. We approve school zoning lines submitted by the NYCPS, evaluate the performance of our community school superintendent yearly, and submit capital plan recommendations. Our input is mandated on significant decisions including school co-locations and restructuring.

How to Participate

CEC 27 values community voice. All our monthly calendar and business meetings are public. Parents can share concerns directly with council members during public comment periods, submit questions ahead of time, or join our advisory committees covering Special Education, ELL, and Capital Planning.

District 27 Geographic Overview

Queens District 27 is one of the most geographically diverse and expansive school districts in New York City, spanning unique neighborhoods on the mainland and across the Rockaway Peninsula.

Mainland North

Serving families throughout the historic and densely populated residential areas of Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, and South Ozone Park.

Mainland South

Representing school communities located near the beautiful coastal environments of Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, and Lindenwood.

The Rockaways

Covering the entire Rockaway Peninsula, including Broad Channel, Far Rockaway, Edgemere, Arverne, Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, and Breezy Point.

Past Meetings & Archives

Access past meeting archives classified by school year. Available resources include official Agendas, Approved Minutes, Meeting Presentations, and Video Recordings.

2024 - 2025 School Year

October 19, 2024: Business Meeting

September 21, 2024: Calendar Session

2023 - 2024 School Year

June 15, 2024: Calendar Session & Public Hearing

May 18, 2024: Business Meeting

CEC 27 Council Members

Our dedicated council members work collaboratively to represent families, advocate for student success, and guide educational policy within District 27.

Dr. Elena Rostova

Council President

An educator with over 15 years of leadership, Elena is dedicated to enhancing resource distribution and family outreach policies.

Marcus Vance

Vice President

Marcus focuses on community integration, advocating for modern facility upgrades and comprehensive after-school arts initiatives.

Sarah Jenkins

Treasurer

A certified accountant and mother of two, Sarah ensures financial accountability and transparent budget allocation for all school projects.

David Cho

Recording Secretary

David manages communications and keeps clear, accessible records of all public meetings to uphold community transparency.

Aisha Rahman

IEP Representative

Aisha advocates passionately for inclusive education models, bringing her background in developmental psychology to our special education committees.

Carlos Mendez

Parent Member

Carlos bridges the gap between administrators and parents, championing enhanced dual-language and multicultural programming.