The Community Education Council of District 17

Category: Minutes

  • August 2026 Minutes

    COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNCIL DISTRICT 17

    Calendar & Business Meeting Minutes

    Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
    Scheduled Time: 6:30 PM
    Location: PS138, Room 103, 760 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, NY 11216
    President: Erika Kendall

    CALENDAR MEETING

    1. Call to Order

    President Erika Kendall called the meeting to order at 6:41 PM and welcomed attendees to the August monthly meeting.

    2. Roll Call

    The following members were called during roll call:

    • Letisha Amada — Present
    • Tyeast McCain — Present
    • Theresa James — Present
    • Rebecca Jacques — Present
    • Erika Kendall — Present
    • Antoinetta Meekins — Absent
    • Tiffany Melville — Present
    • Ruby Miller — Present
    • Michelle Morris — Present
    • Dory Thrasher — Present

    The transcript records eight members counted by the President during the roll call.

    3. Report of Community Superintendent — Ms. Shenean Lindsay

    Superintendent Shenean Lindsay provided district updates, noting that summer school had concluded and that the district was preparing for the new school year. She reported that the summer school program operated with very few issues.

    State Assessment Data

    Superintendent Lindsay reported that New York State assessment scores had been released and that the district was in the process of analyzing the results. She noted a discrepancy between state assessment results and i-Ready screener data and stated that the district would triangulate multiple sources of information, including qualitative information, to understand student performance.

    She reported particular concern about the assessment results while emphasizing that the district would continue strengthening instructional practice, with particular attention to students with IEPs and students acquiring English. She anticipated providing a more detailed data report to CEC17 in September and holding a State of the District presentation later in September.

    Superintendent Lindsay also discussed the transition to computer-based testing. She stated that this was the first year every New York City student took the assessment on a computer and noted that the district was examining whether technology use, changes in scoring, or other factors contributed to the results. She reported that District 17’s math results increased by one point while raising concerns about the citywide decline in literacy results.

    In response to questions about access to computers, Superintendent Lindsay explained that schools track their available devices and that schools without sufficient resources can request additional devices after their budgets are reviewed. Dr. Holloway added that the expanded testing window allows schools to schedule use of devices across grades. Discussion also addressed the importance of students developing typing and computer skills as computer-based testing continues.

    School Performance and Support

    Superintendent Lindsay highlighted Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy, announcing that Principal Jason Borges had transitioned to a district-office role and that Sarah Benstrom had become the school’s new principal. She reported that enrollment was on track to meet projected levels and discussed the school’s literacy work and assessment results.

    She also described plans for an adult literacy component through the school’s proposed literacy lab, in partnership with District 79 Adult Education, with the goal of supporting adults with literacy, GED preparation, and English-language acquisition.

    Superintendent Lindsay highlighted P.S. 241, describing it as the district’s highest-performing elementary school according to the district’s internal analysis. She stated that the district was considering using the school as a lab site to share effective practices with other schools.

    She clarified that the district’s school rankings are internal tools used to determine the level of support schools require and are not official public rankings. Schools with greater needs may receive targeted district support, including coaching and other assistance. The district is moving toward six-week cycles of support so that more schools can receive assistance.
    The Superintendent also encouraged school leadership teams and parent associations to discuss recently released assessment, survey, and other school data at the school level.

    School Surveys and Open Meetings Law

    A discussion concerning school survey results led President Kendall to clarify that Open Meetings Law limits the Council’s ability to publicly discuss an individual’s job performance. Community members were encouraged to bring questions concerning personnel performance to an appropriate setting outside the public meeting. Superintendent Lindsay agreed that school-level conversations, including through SLTs and parent bodies, are appropriate venues for discussing school data and concerns.

    After-School Registration

    President Kendall raised concerns about the timing and accessibility of after-school program registration, particularly for incoming families and families who historically relied on paper applications or who may face language or technology barriers.

    The discussion noted that DYCD registration was expected to open online on August 21. Superintendent Lindsay stated that schools should make laptops available and that parent coordinators could assist families with applications when barriers arise.

    School Construction Authority Communication

    President Kendall discussed a request from the School Construction Authority for a monthly meeting/communication channel with CEC17. The proposed arrangement would provide the Council with information about upcoming work in district buildings and give the Council an avenue to raise building-related concerns.

    4. Comment Period for Elected Officials & Community Based Organizations

    President Kendall opened the floor to elected officials and community-based organizations. No representatives came forward to speak.

    5. Public Comment

    No members of the public came forward during the initial invitation for public comment.

    President Kendall subsequently raised a question concerning reports of immigration enforcement activity in the community. Superintendent Lindsay reported that she had received information from a principal concerning alleged ICE activity in the Little Haiti area and a reported detention at Atlantic Terminal. She stated that she escalates information received from the community and acknowledged that fear surrounding immigration enforcement had affected district attendance and enrollment.

    Superintendent Lindsay estimated, based on conversations with principals, that the district had lost approximately 200 students as a result of families leaving or avoiding public spaces because of concerns about immigration enforcement.

    6. President’s Announcements

    President Kendall encouraged families to establish or access their New York City Schools Account. She explained that families can use the account to view student assessment scores, attendance, report cards, and other student information.

    She advised families who do not yet have an account to contact their school’s parent coordinator for the required student code and stated that each student requires a code to be added to the account.

    7. Adjournment of Calendar Meeting

    At 7:32 PM, President Kendall announced that the calendar agenda was complete and called for a motion to adjourn. The transcript records Dory Thrasher as moving to adjourn and Rebecca Jacques as seconding the motion. President Kendall announced that the Calendar Meeting was adjourned at 7:32 PM and stated that the Council would reconvene for the Business Meeting.

    INTERMISSION

    A brief intermission followed the Calendar Meeting.

    BUSINESS MEETING

    1. Call to Order

    President Erika Kendall called the Business Meeting to order at approximately 7:50 PM. She noted that the meeting began several minutes later than anticipated because members present in person were engaged in conversation. President Kendall reminded attendees that the Business Meeting was not a public-comment portion of the meeting.

    2. Roll Call

    Members were called for roll call. The transcript clearly records:

    • Letisha Amada — Present
    • Tyeast McCain — Present
    • Theresa James — Present
    • Rebecca Jacques — Present
    • Erika Kendall — Present
    • Antoinetta Meekins — Absent
    • Tiffany Melville — Present
    • Ruby Miller — Present
    • Michelle Morris — Present
    • Dory Thrasher — Present

    3. Member Reports

    Chancellor’s Monthly Meetings

    President Kendall reported that the Chancellor had resumed monthly meetings with CEC presidents and the Chancellor’s Cabinet, including the Deputy Chancellors. She stated that the meetings would resume with the school year and that, although attendance was currently limited to CEC presidents, she could bring forward concerns raised by CEC17 members and the district community.

    Summer High School Preparation Program

    Michelle Morris reported positively on a summer high-school preparation program, referred to in the discussion as the Dream Academy, which prepares students for a specialized high school admissions test. She described several weeks of summer instruction focused on the format and types of questions appearing on the test and noted that student scores are monitored during the program.

    BEAM Program

    Tyeast McCain asked whether the BEAM program, described during the discussion as a Business, Entrepreneurship and Math program, was operating in District 17. President Kendall stated that Superintendent Lindsay was unfamiliar with the program and agreed to seek additional information.

    Ms. McCain stated that she had a contact for the program and would provide information to the Council and Superintendent so that the Council could determine whether the program might be introduced or incorporated in District 17.

    CUNY/Urban Assembly Schools and CEC Representation

    Tiffany Melville raised questions about which education council should serve families of schools that are geographically located in District 17 but are not administratively part of District 17, including schools associated with CUNY Urban Assembly.

    President Kendall explained her understanding that grades 9–12 fall under the Citywide Council for High Schools, while students in grades K–8 at schools geographically or administratively assigned to District 17 fall within CEC17’s jurisdiction. She acknowledged that the jurisdictional arrangement has not always been clearly communicated and encouraged families in the community to feel comfortable bringing concerns to CEC17 while also recognizing the role of the Citywide Council for High Schools.

    4. Ongoing Business

    4.1 District Planning Task Force

    President Kendall reported that the District Planning Task Force had completed the district data workbook. She stated that she planned to host a virtual District Planning Task Force meeting toward the end of September so the completed data could be presented to and discussed with the community. The date had not yet been finalized pending confirmation with District Planning.
    The discussion also addressed the importance of ensuring that families understand school planning, school development, and school closure processes. President Kendall discussed the Council’s previous experience involving district planning and a subsequent conversation with families from P.S. 398 concerning rumors about school closure.

    Tyeast McCain proposed that CEC members receive more focused preparation for participating in school-level SLT conversations, particularly regarding the data families should understand when discussing school performance and potential school closure. President Kendall agreed that the Council should consider ways to support CEC members and parent leaders in navigating SLT processes.

    President Kendall noted that the District Leadership Team has also discussed the need for clearer SLT processes and data-sharing expectations for parent members and school staff. She stated that the Council could continue developing this work and potentially include it in the Council’s retreat planning.

    4.2 Chancellor’s Town Hall

    President Kendall reported that the Chancellor’s Town Hall had been scheduled for May 4, 2027. She stated that the Council therefore had time to plan the event, including determining the host location and student performers.

    In response to a question from Theresa James, President Kendall described the Town Hall as a roughly two-hour event involving coordination among the Council, host school, technology team, and Chancellor’s team. The host school traditionally sponsors the dinner and decorations, while the Council coordinates performers, serves as the event’s MC, and works with the technical team on the in-person and live-broadcast components.

    President Kendall also described the system used to collect and organize parent questions during the event and emphasized the importance of ensuring that students are represented, parents’ questions are heard, and community needs are addressed.

    4.3 Celebrate 17! Festival

    Tyeast McCain reported on initial planning for the 2027 Celebrate 17! Festival. He stated that the Council intended to keep the event in May and that he was working on a flyer/save-the-date.

    Several possible dates were discussed, including June 5 and May 22. The discussion considered conflicts with Memorial Day weekend, Mother’s Day weekend, the UFT Spring Conference, testing schedules, and other school events.

    The Council ultimately indicated support for Saturday, May 22, 2027 as the date to plan around. Tyeast McCain volunteered to create the flyer and provide an update at the next meeting.

    4.4 Administrative Assistant Hiring

    President Kendall requested an update regarding the administrative assistant hiring process. The discussion established that candidate names had been selected and that the next step was to coordinate with Human Resources.

    The process described was:

    1. Candidate names are submitted.
    2. Human Resources confirms candidate status and availability.
    3. Interview dates and times are provided.
    4. Human Resources contacts candidates and coordinates interviews.
    5. The Council conducts the interviews.
    6. Human Resources remains involved in the hiring and offer process.

    Theresa James noted that Antoinetta Meekins had sent an email regarding the process in late July and stated that she would bring the email thread back to the top of the inbox. President Kendall stated that the Council would follow up by email.

    5. New Business

    Tyeast McCain volunteered to take responsibility for developing the Council’s website. He stated that the website would provide an important public-facing component of the Council’s work and offered to initially build the site while also helping other members learn how to maintain and use it so that responsibility would not rest with one person.

    The Council welcomed the proposal and invited member feedback.

    6. Meeting Planning

    President Kendall thanked Theresa James for meeting with her earlier in the day and assisting with permits for upcoming Council meetings.

    President Kendall announced that the next CEC17 meeting was scheduled for September 15, 2026. At the time of the meeting, a location had not yet been finalized.

    President Kendall stated that she and Theresa James would work together to secure meeting locations for the upcoming school year. The existing Google document containing the Council’s meeting dates would be updated with locations as they were confirmed.

    7. Adjournment

    At 8:41 PM, President Kendall announced that the agenda was complete and called for a motion to adjourn.

    Motion: Letisha Amada moved to adjourn.
    Second: Theresa James seconded the motion.

    President Kendall declared the meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM.


  • September 2026

    COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNCIL DISTRICT 17

    Calendar & Business Meeting Minutes

    Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
    Calendar Meeting: 6:30 PM
    Business Meeting: Reconvened at 7:43 PM
    Location: PS191 Paul Robeson, 1600 Park Place, Brooklyn, NY 11233 / Zoom
    President: Erika Kendall

    I. CALENDAR MEETING

    1. Call to Order

    President Erika Kendall called the September Calendar Meeting to order and welcomed members, families, and community participants.

    2. Roll Call

    Roll call was conducted. Members recorded as present during the meeting included Erika Kendall, Rebecca Jacques, Ruby Miller, Dory Thrasher, Teresa James, Letisha Amada, Tiffany Melville, Tyeast McCain, and Antoinetta Meekins. Michelle Morris was noted as excused. Several members joined during the course of the meeting.

    3. NYC Kids RISE! Presentation

    The scheduled NYC Kids RISE! presentation was postponed because the presenter was unable to attend. President Kendall stated that the presentation would be rescheduled and that the community would receive advance notice of the new date.

    4. Report of Community Superintendent — Shenean Lindsay

    Superintendent Shenean Lindsay presented an update on the opening of the 2026–27 school year and District 17 priorities.

    Opening of the School Year

    Superintendent Lindsay reported that the first day and first week of school had gone smoothly across District 17, with no major complaints or incidents reported. She highlighted the District 17 Back-to-School Kickoff, where more than 300 book bags had been distributed, with additional families continuing to receive support. The event included participation from CEC17 members, district staff, school staff, and elected officials.

    District 17 RISE Framework

    Superintendent Lindsay introduced the District’s RISE framework:

    • R — Relationships: Building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and communities; establishing trust; and creating safe, welcoming school climates.
    • I — Instruction: Providing high-quality, grade-level instruction, while using intervention and enrichment to address student needs.
    • S — Scholars: Ensuring every scholar belongs, is valued, and is supported to succeed, with attention to literacy, numeracy, high expectations, and identity-affirming learning.
    • E — Engagement: Centering student voice, joyful learning, attendance, and partnerships with families and community members.

    The Superintendent emphasized that RISE is intended to consolidate and communicate the district’s existing priorities rather than replace them. The stated mission is to surround every scholar with strong relationships and powerful instruction so that the district rises together, with a vision that every student rises and graduates prepared for college, career, and life.

    Student Achievement and School Progress

    Superintendent Lindsay recognized District 17 schools for their 2026 assessment performance and year-over-year progress.

    Among elementary schools, she highlighted:

    • Literacy proficiency: PS241 Emma L. Johnston 
    • Mathematics proficiency: PS249 The Caton 
    • Greatest literacy progress: PS289 George V. Brower 
    • Greatest mathematics progress: PS221 Toussaint L. Ouverture 

    Among middle schools, she highlighted:

    • Literacy proficiency: Ebbets Field Middle School 
    • Mathematics proficiency: Ronald Edmonds Learning Center 2 
    • Greatest literacy progress: New Heights Middle School 
    • Greatest mathematics progress: IS340 

    The Superintendent congratulated school leaders, teachers, and staff for the reported gains and emphasized continued work to expand progress across the district.

    State of the District

    Superintendent Lindsay announced a State of the District Zoom event for September 22 at 6:00 PM. The event will address the state of District 17 schools, district goals, plans for achieving those goals, and questions concerning small class size. A flyer and Zoom information were to be distributed to the community.

    Artificial Intelligence

    In response to a question from President Kendall regarding new AI guidance, Superintendent Lindsay agreed to provide a fuller presentation on the district’s AI policy during her October report. She stated that District 17 schools currently have limited screen time and that students are using books; she also stated that students were not currently using AI in classrooms. She said the October presentation would address the rationale behind the district’s approach, including the importance of students developing critical-thinking skills independently.

    Attendance

    President Kendall asked about reports concerning a new attendance-related role. Superintendent Lindsay stated that she did not yet have information specific to District 17 and would share information when available.

    Rose Graham clarified that the new role is a school avoidance liaison, an additional member of an attendance team who would receive specialized training and support the attendance effort rather than replace existing attendance staff.

    Graham also noted that September is Attendance Awareness Month and described the district’s approach as moving from attendance compliance toward collaborative student engagement involving families and community stakeholders. Superintendent Lindsay reported that chronic absenteeism in District 17 had decreased by approximately 7%, while noting that additional improvement remained a goal.

    A Panel for Educational Policy member, Maddy Fox, added that her understanding of the revised Chancellor’s regulation was that the attendance-related changes were intended to provide additional support to students and families experiencing chronic absenteeism.

    5. Comment Period — Elected Officials & Community-Based Organizations

    No elected officials or community-based organizations requested the floor during this portion of the meeting.

    6. Public Comment

    Maddy Fox, a newly appointed Panel for Educational Policy member, introduced herself and stated that she planned to attend CEC meetings across Brooklyn and the city to listen to school communities. She encouraged District 17 stakeholders to contact her with questions or concerns and provided information regarding the upcoming Panel for Educational Policy meeting and public-comment process.

    President Kendall also encouraged community members to remain in contact with CEC17 and offered to receive and elevate community questions and concerns.

    7. President’s Announcements

    President Kendall announced that the District Planning Task Force would reconvene on September 29 at 7:00 PM with the Office of District Planning.

    The meeting will focus on District 17 enrollment data and the district data workbook, including school enrollment, school size, use of school space, available resources, and potential future planning needs. President Kendall encouraged broad participation so that community perspectives can inform the Council’s understanding of district needs and priorities.

    President Kendall also discussed the importance of proactively preparing for potential future citywide school-planning and integration discussions, noting that District 17 was not among the first five districts selected for the city’s current planning process but could potentially be involved in a future phase.

    8. Adjournment of Calendar Meeting

    At approximately 7:24 PM, Teresa James moved to adjourn the Calendar Meeting. Letisha Amada seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:25 PM, with the Business Meeting scheduled to reconvene following a 15-minute intermission.

    II. BUSINESS MEETING

    1. Call to Order

    President Kendall reconvened the Business Meeting at approximately 7:43 PM.

    President Kendall reminded attendees that public comment and public contributions are not taken during the Business Meeting.

    2. Roll Call

    Roll call was conducted. The transcript records Rebecca Jacques, Ruby Miller, Dory Thrasher, Teresa James, Letisha Amada, Tiffany Melville, Tyeast McCain, and Antoinetta Meekins as participating, with Michelle Morris previously noted as excused.

    3. Member Reports

    Tyeast McCain reported on a recent District 17 principals’ meeting held at Industry City. CEC members had an opportunity to meet principals, assistant principals, and parent coordinators and hear district updates concerning school performance. Members also discussed Celebrate 17!, district planning, and continued CEC/district partnerships.

    President Kendall also reported that Mayor Mamdani visited PS249/The Caton on the first day of school as part of a citywide school visit, meeting with school leadership and students and participating in a classroom activity.

    4. Ongoing Business

    A. District Planning Task Force

    The District Planning Task Force will meet September 29 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The Office of District Planning has requested an opportunity to meet with the CEC in person as part of the planning process.

    The district data workbook will be used as the basis for discussion. President Kendall will circulate the workbook to members who do not already have access to it.

    B. Chancellor’s Town Hall

    The Chancellor’s Town Hall was confirmed for May 4, 2027. The location has not yet been finalized.

    CEC17 discussed potential school locations and noted that the selected venue should have:

    • A sufficiently large auditorium;
    • Good accessibility and transportation access;
    • Full ADA/wheelchair accessibility; and
    • Appropriate facilities for a large community event.

    Schools discussed as possible locations included PS722/New Heights Middle School and PS249/The Caton. PS138 was also discussed but raised concerns regarding auditorium size and lack of heating and cooling.

    The Council will continue considering venue options.

    C. Celebrate 17! Festival

    Tyeast McCain reported that planning for the Celebrate 17! Festival is in its early stages.

    Immediate priorities include:

    • Meeting with Rose Graham to identify and contact elected officials;
    • Seeking sponsorships and partnerships;
    • Recruiting organizations and community partners to participate;
    • Identifying potential food vendors and other collaborators; and
    • Determining an appropriate venue.

    The first planning meeting was initially scheduled for October 13. Because of scheduling conflicts, members agreed to use a Doodle poll to identify a workable date for the first planning meeting.

    Potential venue considerations included whether the anticipated site would have sufficient space and whether planned activities, including possible bounce houses, could be accommodated. The group agreed that the venue decision should be discussed collectively rather than made by one individual.

    D. Administrative Assistant Hiring

    Antoinetta Meekins reported that Tesa had already contacted HR and that there were no immediate actions required from the Council. Tesa had provided a sample set of interview questions.

    The Council agreed to create a shared Google Doc where members could contribute interview questions. Questions will then be consolidated to ensure that members’ areas of interest are represented and that the Council has comprehensive feedback for evaluating candidates.

    President Kendall will follow up with Tesa regarding:

    • The next steps in the hiring process;
    • Responsibility for contacting candidates;
    • Candidate availability; and
    • Any applicable requirements or guidance governing candidate communication.

    5. New Business

    CEC Website and Reimbursements

    Tyeast McCain reminded President Kendall that the Council needs the login information necessary to work on the CEC website and noted the need to address the Council’s website compliance.

    President Kendall explained that the existing WordPress login had become inaccessible and that she was working to reset/rebuild the installation. She committed to providing the necessary information once the issue was resolved.

    McCain also raised outstanding reimbursement issues. President Kendall asked any member who had submitted reimbursement paperwork but had not received all or part of their reimbursement to contact her with the details so that she could follow up with the appropriate parties.

    AI Discussion for October

    President Kendall reported that Superintendent Lindsay had provided a presentation from Central concerning the DOE’s approach to AI. Because AI had not been clearly identified on the original public agenda and because the subject had generated significant community discussion previously, President Kendall and Superintendent Lindsay agreed that the presentation should be scheduled with advance notice.

    The October meeting is therefore expected to include a more detailed AI discussion. Members may also consider whether a CEC resolution concerning AI is appropriate after reviewing the district presentation and community concerns. No AI-related resolution was adopted at this meeting.

    NYC Kids RISE!

    Because the scheduled NYC Kids RISE! presenter was unable to attend the September meeting, President Kendall noted that the presentation would need to be rescheduled. She anticipated that October could become a particularly full meeting and indicated that she would explore whether the Kids RISE! discussion could instead be moved to November.

    6. Meeting Planning

    Teresa James assisted President Kendall with completing and preparing permits for CEC meetings for the school year.

    Not all meeting locations had yet been approved. President Kendall explained that school availability and competing community events had made scheduling locations more complicated than anticipated. She will continue contacting principals and confirming permits.

    Once locations are confirmed and permits are approved, President Kendall will distribute the complete meeting-location schedule to members.

    The Council also discussed sharing school contact information so members can communicate directly with principals when appropriate. President Kendall reported that she had obtained a roster of District 17 schools, principals, and contact information.

    Upcoming Dates

    The following dates were identified:

    • September 22, 2026, 6:00 PM: State of the District
    • September 29, 2026, 7:00 PM: District Planning Task Force
    • October 20, 2026: Next CEC meeting
    • May 4, 2027: Chancellor’s Town Hall

    President Kendall also noted that the district data provided in advance of the State of the District presentation would be circulated to members once the access issue was resolved. The Superintendent offered a mid-month check-in to discuss the data and district observations in greater detail.

    7. Adjournment

    At approximately 8:25 PM, with the agenda complete, Teresa James moved to adjourn the Business Meeting. Dory Thrasher seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned.