Editorial: It's time to abolish the community school boards

Five years ago, amid report after report of corruption and patronage, the State Legislature decided it had enough of the Community School Board system and stripped the boards of almost all of their power.

That's why, with little financial authority, Community School Board 9 is clinging so desperately to political clout it still possesses.

For now, it means commandeering the superintendent search process and denying parents the right to participate. In something as important as deciding the person who will (try to) lead District 9 out of the proverbial woods, why would anyone's opinion be suppressed?

This board is arrogant, abusive and a frustrating waste of $125,000.

The community school boards exist to represent the interests of the parents of students in their district. They exist to keep tabs on the superintendent. If the board fails to do that, they have failed their single responsibility.

Without indicating who, or even whether we support a specific candidate at all, let us say that it appears that the Community School Board of District 9 wanted from day one for Stanley Mims to be the new superintendent. Last month's forum was heavily biased in favor of Dr. Mims - the acting superintendent. The board recommended a second candidate to Chancellor Harold Levy to create the appearance of fairness. It is just an appearance.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has suggested that the city eliminate the community school boards and replace them with a system of parent advisory boards.

There may be something to that idea, even though this panel would surely have no power over the districts it advises. An advisory panel with no bite cannot possibly hold a superintendent accountable.

A bill has been introduced in the State Assembly that would simply dismantle the community school board system. That idea shows promise, too.

Although the solutions present more problems that will, of course, be complained about, one thing is clear: This Community School Board has got to go.

And the sooner the better.