June 22, 2007 (New York, NY) – Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer today announced the appointment of Patrick J. Sullivan to the City's Panel for Educational Policy filling the vacancy created by the departure of Vivian Farmery.  Sullivan, a volunteer parent advocate and father of two children in Manhattan public schools, will serve as Borough President Stringer’s appointee to the panel.

Mr. Sullivan is an active member of the Parent-Teacher Association at P.S. 77 and serves as a board member and treasurer for the non-profit advocacy organization Class Size Matters.  He is a co-founder of the first public school parent’s blog and was a leading coordinator of the efforts to stop the privatization of public ball fields on Randall’s Island.  Sullivan also has extensive experience in the private sector where he currently works as a Vice-President at American International Group, Inc.

“Few things are more important to our public education system than the need for real parental input in the crucial decisions that shape our children’s future," Borough President Stringer said.  “I am certain Patrick will be a valuable voice for all children and parents of Manhattan's public schools.  His private sector experience coupled with his extensive educational involvement will make him an effective PEP representative for all he serves.”                             

Sullivan said, “It is a great honor to be chosen by Borough President Stringer for this important position.  Through my experience working with him, I have seen first-hand his courage and tenacity in fighting for public school families.  His agenda for our schools – retention of our skilled and dedicated teachers, relief for our overcrowded classrooms and genuine parent involvement in the education of their children – closely reflects the desires of all school parents.  At this time when our public schools are in a state of near-constant restructuring, it is especially important for the Panel for Educational Policy to provide the most vigilant oversight.  I look forward to the Borough President’s support as I accept this position on the panel.”

The Panel for Educational Policy is responsible for approving standards, policies, objectives, and regulations directly related to educational achievement and instruction. The Panel is comprised of thirteen members: each Borough President appoints a member to the Panel while the remaining eight members are appointed by the Mayor.  Under the legislation that granted mayoral control of New York City’s public schools, the Panel was created to replace the former Board of Education.

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