Progressive backlash? A coalition pressing for more selectivity in schools notches key wins

Parents backed by a group pressing for more rigorous programs and selective admissions practices captured a significant foothold in this year’s NYC education council elections, fueling the often contentious debate over some of the city’s more progressive education policies.

The organization, Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education, or PLACE, pushed back against a progressive wave that had been gaining strength over the last several years in New York.

The group, while focusing much of its campaign rhetoric on education policy, has come under fire for the polarizing views of its leadership, which often wade into culture war issues such as critical race theory.

PLACE-endorsed candidates will make up 40% of all elected seats for the next two years, according to figures released by the organization. The organization advocates for gifted and talented programs, and selective admissions criteria at public middle and high schools, including the single entrance exam to specialized programs such as Stuyvesant and Bronx Science.

The two schools of thought have clashed over such policies, as progressive advocates blame the long-standing practices for persistent racial and economic discrepancies at the city’s most competitive schools.

PLACE described the election results as a “clear mandate” from local parents for more programs that separate children by their academic records and admissions processes based on grades and test scores, while other advocates and experts cautioned against reading too much into the results.

“It’s problematic to see this as a trend,” said Jeffrey Henig, a professor of political science and education at Columbia University’s Teachers College. “It’s not just turnout that’s low, it’s informational levels that’s low on these elections. So it takes a while for people to take the hint they need to pay attention.”

More than 350 seats were up for grabs this election cycle, which was only the second time period all parents could cast ballots. Previously, just three members per each school’s parent association selected the panel.

While the councils are mostly advisory, members approve school zone boundaries and influence the capital plan, and set the tone of hotly contested education issues through public forums and resolutions.

Some endorsed candidates turned down PLACE’s backing, but the group’s picks won all elected seats on the Citywide Council on High Schools, as well as District 20 in southwest Brooklyn and District 26 in northeast Queens. Many of those neighborhoods also went for the the conservative candidate in last year’s gubernatorial race.

“The results of this election is a clear mandate from New York City Public School parents for expanded accelerated education opportunities and merit-based admissions,” read a statement from PLACE. “It is now incumbent upon Chancellor Banks to ensure that his Superintendents and administration listen to these elected parent leaders. NYC families have spoken.”

In statewide elections, PLACE has endorsed GOP candidates Lee Zeldin for governor, as well as George Santos and Nicole Malliotakis for congress. Last month, though, it distanced itself from Santos in a statement that he will no longer be considered for future endorsements.

The group has also come under fire for some of its backers — and the positions of some of its leaders.

PLACE has received the praises of Moms for Liberty, designated an extremist organization this month. One of PLACE’s co-presidents is Chien Kwok, who has been involved in online controversies from support for Kenosha gunman Kyle Rittenhouse to homophobic comments about a state senator. The other is Maud Maron, whose unsuccessful bid for Congress last year called to restrict transgender student athletes and alleged local schools teach critical race theory.

PLACE maintains those positions are outside the organization’s scope: “The views of individual members on issues and advocacies outside of PLACE NYC’s mission do not represent the views of PLACE NYC,” reads the website.

Henig, the Columbia professor, suggested national organizations will often use local groups across the country to push for a broader set of issues at the center of culture wars related to race and gender.

“PLACE is emphasizing primarily the issues of screening, gifted and talented education, and more advanced curricula,” he said. “But some of the individuals in PLACE, and some of the organizations that are paying attention to PLACE, have a wider array of issues that they’re hoping to use this to draw parents into.”

Deborah Alexander, secretary of PLACE, described herself as a lifelong Democrat from the suburbs who moved to the city to raise children in a place of more diversity — but believes in grouping students learning at the same pace together.

“Reasonable minds can disagree,” said Alexander. “We are an organization based on what we happen to believe is good education for New York City students.”

How the vast majority of families feel about that vision remains unclear.

The families of 28,000 students voted in this year’s elections, according to figures obtained by the Daily News — representing just 3% of the city’s public school kids. “The weak power of the [Community Education Councils] makes it more likely that the bulk of parents will shrug and not bother to turn out,” said Henig.

Criticism of the process escalated June 20 at Gracie Mansion, where a couple dozen parents rallied outside a reception hosted by Mayor Adams to celebrate parent representatives. The group called for a recount and audit of the city’s practices during parent elections.

More than 19,100 parents cast ballots, data show. The city does not track the number of parents in its system to calculate a turnout rate, but said the number of voters was comparable to the pandemic-era election in 2021.

The parents accused the city of cracking down on campaign rules disproportionately on a Queens candidate, who was disqualified for allegedly accepting an endorsement on social media.

“All candidates must be held to the same standard, full stop,” said Adriana Alicea, who ran for Community Education Council 28 and a vocal critic of some City Hall directives.

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Alicea and her supporters told the Daily News they had lodged complaints over the same issue about other candidates endorsed by PLACE, who agree with the administration on key issues from gifted and talented programs to selective high school admissions.

“You’re controlling who you want to be seated, who you want to deal with,” said Shirley Aubin, who co-chairs the Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council. “That is not equitable.”

Education officials cited state law that prohibits political endorsements, and said the group that endorsed Alicea, NYC KidsPAC, describes itself as a political action committee whereas other groups do not.

“We take any reported issues seriously,” said public schools spokesman Nathaniel Styer, “and those that arose during the election were investigated and considered based on regulations and state law.”

The education department says it stands by what they said was the successful administration of one of the country’s largest parent leadership elections. More than 200 information sessions and 65 candidate forums were held over the last few months, and advertisements in 10 languages ran online and in ethnic media.

“Parent leadership in our public education system is an essential tool in making our schools responsive to the needs of our communities,” read a statement from Chancellor David Banks. “Congratulations to the parents who have been elected to serve in these ever-important roles, and I look forward to working closely with them in the years ahead.”