Michael Kraft replaces Insideschools’ Laura Zingmond on the Panel for Educational Policy

Michael Kraft, president of Art and Design High School’s Parent Teacher Association, was appointed Monday to the New York City Panel for Educational Policy by the Manhattan borough president.

Kraft, who spent 26 years working in telecommunications, most recently at Verizon, will relinquish his current post on the Citywide Council on High Schools. He replaces Laura Zingmond, a senior editor at Insideschools, the school-review site affiliated with the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School.

The Panel for Educational Policy – or PEP – consists of 13 members, five appointed by the borough presidents and the rest appointed by the mayor. It meets monthly, approving co-locations and rule changes, and acting as the school system’s governing board.

Zingmond, a high-profile appointee who served nearly three years on the panel, said she stepped down to focus on her responsibilities at work. “It seemed like the right time,” she said. “Michael’s the perfect person to pass the baton to.”

Borough President Gale Brewer agreed. “In his many leadership roles, Michael has grappled directly with some of the biggest issues facing our school system today, from the high school admissions process to capital planning, security, and more,” she said in a statement.

Kraft is joining the board after a quiet few months. But he’s likely to face votes about school mergers — including the planned merger of two Harlem schools announced last week — and charter school co-locations as the school year continues.

Kraft said he is excited to join the PEP, and considers it a good fit.

“I feel like I’ve had a lot of experience working with a wide array of people and interests,” he said, “and trying to get them all on the same page.”