Seven new appointees join Queens’ Community Education Councils

PS 398, the Héctor Figueroa School in Queens, on December 10, 2019. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

By David Brand

Starting today, seven Queens residents will have a stronger voice for their communities as New York City weighs a controversial and shifting school reopening plan. Not to mention countless other issues affecting public education in the borough.

Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee appointed seven people to fill vacant seats on five of Queens’ seven Community Education Councils. The CEC members are tasked with visiting schools to assess their educational needs, examining educational programs and making recommendations on district issues.

The new members include John D’Amico in CEC District 24; Anne Marie Kanable and Brooke Stergion Abady in CEC District 25; Rajwinder Kaur in CEC District 28; Rochelle Carter in CEC District 29; and Dani Marr and Charles Park in CEC District 30.

“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has deeply disrupted the education and lives of our kids,” Lee said. “On this critical road of recovery and rebuild, such voices are needed now more than ever.”

A total of 65 people applied for the seven vacancies, according to the Borough President’s Office.