FROM EDUCATOR TO LEGISLATOR:
The System Darling Improved
Dr. Darling J. Miramey has been a leading advocate for updating Chancellor Regulation A-663, which governs language access for New York City Public Schools, drawing on strong support from Community Education Councils (including District 3 on the Upper West Side), the Citywide Council of English Language Learners, the Chancellor’s Advisory Council, and elected officials. His work as a Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) member has centered immigrant and multilingual learner voices, spotlighting issues that often go unnoticed by English-proficient communities.
Role in Advancing A-663 Reform
Dr. Miramey has worked closely with education bodies and advocacy groups to ensure that language barriers do not prevent parents and students from fully participating in the educational process. Through collaborative efforts with the Community Education Councils—like District 3’s, renowned for its proactive stance on inclusion—and the Citywide Council of English Language Learners, he helped introduce and support resolutions calling for a comprehensive update of A-663. These efforts led to public hearings, council endorsements, and growing momentum for reform.
Key Updates and Improvements
The most recent amendments to Chancellor’s Regulation A-663, passed in June 2025, directly reflect the advocacy priorities Miramey championed. Notable changes include expanding the number of covered languages to the twelve most common non-English languages, setting requirements for each school to designate a Language Access Coordinator, and clarifying “critical communications” to guarantee that important information reaches all families. The regulation also establishes permanent translation and interpretation services and aligns city practices with stricter state language access requirements.
Championing Immigrant and Multilingual Learner Rights
Serving on the PEP and other advisory panels, Dr. Miramey persistently called attention to families whose needs are often invisible to English-proficient stakeholders. He highlighted situations—such as the lack of translated emergency notices or the complexity of navigating Special Education processes without adequate language support—that have real impacts on immigrant involvement in schools. By raising these issues in forums like the Chancellor’s Advisory Council and citywide hearings, and working with elected officials, he helped secure policy commitments to close gaps in language access.
Broad Community Support and Endorsement
Miramey’s efforts were backed by citywide councils and education advocates, who underscored that language access is fundamental to educational equity and family engagement. The resolution calling for the A-663 update not only passed with widespread support but was celebrated for ensuring that multilingual families have the tools to participate meaningfully in their children’s education—making the system fairer for all New Yorkers.
This collective push, with Dr. Miramey at the forefront as a voice for immigrants and multilingual learners, represents a critical step toward a more inclusive and equitable public school system in New York City.
