#NYC education board to curb speaking times to avoid meeting marathons

Dazed by a series of marathon meetings in recent months, the city’s powerful Panel for Education Policy plans to curb speaking times for public officials and members of parental boards.

Comprised mainly of mayoral and borough president appointees, the PEP has run late into the evening and early morning during recent Zoom meetings during the coronavirus crisis – including one session that ended around 4 a.m.

Public officials and members of official parental councils have long enjoyed the privilege of unlimited speaking times during public comment sessions while members of the public only had a few minutes to have their say.

But the board is expected to pass a new resolution Thursday that will limit politicos to 5 minutes and Community Education Council members to two.

PEP members said the measure will allow more input for rank and file New Yorkers at reasonable hours.

Recent public comment sessions have kicked off as late as 1 a.m. in recent weeks.

“The Panel for Educational Policy is entrusted with making some of the most important decisions for the Department of Education and it is critical that all voices have the chance to be heard during monthly meetings,” said PEP chairperson Vanessa Leung. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of community and school leaders, and if these changes are passed, they will help ensure we get input from as many New Yorkers as possible.”