School-Based Decision Making Councils
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The School-Based Decision Making Council model promotes shared leadership among the people working most closely with our students: the school's administrators, teachers, and parents. A council's main responsibility is to foster student achievement, which should be echoed in every decision and policy.
As the governing body for a school, the SBDM council decides on the curriculum, staffing, discipline, scheduling, teaching practices, extra-curricular activities, and other matters of the school's operation. To enhance student achievement and help the school reach its accountability goals, councils should:
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Decide targets for closing achievement gaps;
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Determine the professional learning plan for the school's staff;
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Meet monthly and comply with the Open Meetings and Open Records Act;
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Consult on staff vacancies (principal, classified, and certified positions); and
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Write and review the school policies.
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Resources
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Background checks
All new SBDM parent members or those with a break in service must pass a background check. The district covers the cost for SBDM parents. The first step is to schedule an appointment with FCPS Human Resources to request a child abuse and neglect (CAN) central registry report. Bring a photo ID and a valid driver’s license or original Social Security card. HR staff will also provide instructions to schedule a fingerprint appointment with the state IdentoGo system, including the list of acceptable identity documents and a coupon code to pay for the process.
Outside contractors must also register in the contractors database.
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Council elections
Electronic voting is a viable option for councils during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. To assist schools and constituent groups with their voting options, KDE created an official guidance document for schools and respective constituent groups to follow.
Voting in SBDM elections may now occur in-person, electronically, mail-in, or through a combination. Regardless of method, the election should be widely publicized to voters, and a record of all ballots cast must be maintained. Reasonable steps should be taken to ensure only eligible voters cast votes and that only one vote is cast per eligible voter. Among other topics, the official guidance document also addresses proxy voting.
Each school will develop their own plan for SBDM elections in accordance with this guidance. Please check your school website for details.
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Public meetings
Each school will choose the format for SBDM meetings and SBDM committee meetings that are open to the public. Those meetings may be held in person or via video-teleconference. Check with your school on their format for SBDM meetings.
- State guidelines: KRS 61.826
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Web tip: The URL shortcut to this page is fcps.net/sbdm
