School-Based Decision Making Councils

School-Based Decision Making Councils were introduced in Kentucky in 1990 after the Kentucky General Assembly passed the Kentucky Education Reform Act. They are designed to promote shared leadership among the various parties who are close to students.

Membership of each council includes parents, teachers and an administrator of the school. The council has the responsibility to set school policy and make decisions outlined in statute so as to provide an environment to enhance student achievement.

Councils are built upon the idea that shared decision making will result in a greater commitment to implementing decisions that will enhance the achievement of students.

Schools facilitate annual elections to determine the members of the council. Parents who are interested in serving on the School-Based Decision Making Council for their child's school are encouraged to speak to the school principal about the timing of upcoming elections.