NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today appointed Alice Ho and Amy Fair to the Panel for Education Policy (PEP). The newly appointed members bring a diverse range of experiences, including as educational activists, and firsthand knowledge as parents of New York City Department of Education (DOE) students. The PEP is part of the governance structure responsible for the city’s public schools and replaced the former Board of Education in 2002. These newest appointees reaffirm this administration’s commitment to engaging with families and community members on the decisions that directly impact New York City schools and the students who attend them.
“Parent and community engagement are essential parts of a thriving school system, and I am excited to bring on inspired partners in the panel members who have been appointed today,” said Mayor Adams. “The Panel for Education Policy is a vital part of helping to ensure that our children have every tool at their disposal to succeed in life.”
“The best student outcomes result from when parents, communities, and educators bring their expertise to the table, and collaborate to reimagine our schools,” said DOE Chancellor David C. Banks. “I look forward to partnering with our new PEP members to meet the needs of our students and improve education outcomes.”
The PEP was established pursuant to state Education Law, and it is responsible for approving standards, policies, and objectives directly related to educational achievement and instruction, as well as the chancellor’s regulations, significant changes on school utilization, budgetary items, and department contracts.
About the New Panel Members:
Alice Ho is a public school and state university alumna whose greatest joy has been raising two sons. Ho has spent 17 years navigating the DOE with her children, and her experience has equipped her ability to embrace a growth mindset in education. Ho obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin. She resides in Manhattan.
Amy Fair is an activist who desires to leave a lasting impact on urban communities. She is currently the executive director of administration and planning for the Department of Undergraduate Student Life at Columbia University, overseeing the financial portfolio for over 400 student groups. She served as a Community Education Council (CEC) District 11 parent member and the chair of the CEC District 11 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (a borough president appointee), as well as on the Neighborhood Advisory Board for District 11. Fair is a Bronx native, who holds an associate degree, a Bachelor of Social Science in Organizational Behavior and Communications, and a Master of Science in Professional Writing.
