The PEP, a 24-member voting body overseeing New York City Public Schools, is comprised of community leaders across the city, including 13 mayoral appointees and five members appointed by each of the borough presidents.<\/p>\n
The panel, which also includes five members appointed by the five Community Education Council presidents and the Schools Chancellor as a non-voting representative, reviews and votes on the Chancellor\u2019s proposed educational regulations and provides financial oversight for the city\u2019s public school system.<\/p>\n
Richards named Constantinides as his appointment to the PEP on Monday, stating that there has been \u201cno greater advocate\u201d for children in Queens.\n<\/p>\n
Constantinides, who served on the New York City Council before becoming Variety CEO in 2021, succeeds Richards\u2019 prior appointment Shirley Aubin and will serve a one-year term on the PEP.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cAs he joins the PEP at such a critical time for our city\u2019s education system, I look forward to Costa\u2019s steadfast dedication in fighting for stronger schools across The World\u2019s Borough,\u201d Richards said in a statement. \u201cI am deeply grateful not only for Costa\u2019s clear-eyed leadership, but his years of friendship as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Constantinides said he was honored to join the panel, stating that the foundation of the city\u2019s future lies in the education of its youth.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a student of New York City public schools myself and the son of a former head of the District 30 PTA\u2019s President Council in the 1980s, I share the Borough President\u2019s strong commitment to a good education for every student,\u201d Constantinides said in a statement. \u201cI am excited to get to work alongside so many other great leaders on this panel as part of the PEP.\u201d<\/p>\n