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School-Based Decision Making Newsletter – June 2025

Kentucky Department of Education sent this bulletin at 06/03/2025 08:00 AM EDT

School-Based Decision Making Newsletter

June 2025

School-Based Decision Making Closeout

Several of Kentucky’s school-based decision making councils end their terms on June 30. As council terms are wrapping up and preparation begins for those council members whose terms start July 1, it might be helpful to take some time during the last meeting to reflect broadly on the 2024-2025 council’s work.

What policies, decisions and discussions went well?
What are some aspects that still need improvement?
What is left to accomplish in the next council’s term?

You can use these sample questions and their responses as a tool to assist with the continuous improvement of the council’s work.

Virtual Experienced Member Training

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will be hosting a virtual experienced member training on the "Rise to Proficiency: Councils and Family and Community Partnerships" on June 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET. Members will have to participate on both days to obtain their certificate.

During the training, council members will learn ways in which SBDM councils can engage parents, families and communities in the work they do. KDE recommends, however, that if experienced council members have taken this course previously that they participate in a different training course to expand their knowledge regarding their roles and responsibilities as a council member.

To register, interested participants must complete the 2025-2026 Rise to Proficiency Registration form to receive additional details regarding the training opportunity.

New Coordinator Training

Thank you to the new coordinators and trainers who attended the SBDM New Coordinator and Trainer Training on May 22. If you are new and were unable to attend, please reach out to Mia Morales.

Training Options

As elections conclude and annual trainings are being planned, below is a list of training modules KDE offers free of charge for endorsed trainers to train council members.

For new council members,

SBDM 101 (in-person or virtual)

For experienced councilmembers,

Rise to Proficiency: Councils and Family and Community Partnership (in-person or virtual)
Decisions with Data (in-person or virtual)
Roles and Responsibilities (in-person, virtual or self-paced)
Council’s Role with Continuous Improvement (self-paced)

You can find all the training modules and their materials on KDE's SBDM Training webpage. You can find more information about each individual training within the SBDM Training Module flyer.

Registration Open for the 2025 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia invite you to a two-day event designed to elevate your impact in education. Registration is now open the 2025 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit on Sept. 22-23 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington!

This year’s keynote speaker is Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. She teaches English as a second language to students from kindergarten through 8th grade and is a passionate advocate for her students, their families and fellow teachers. A Tennessee native and first-generation college graduate, Testerman takes pride in her former students’ success and is dedicated to ensuring the next generation receives a broadened education while living in a rural setting. She emphasizes the importance of teachers holding high expectations for all students from the moment they step into the classroom.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional learning, strengthen existing relationships or tackle unique challenges with fresh strategies, this conference is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to spark new ideas, gain insights from KDE leaders and join Kentucky’s continuous improvement movement!

Visit the 2025 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit registration webpage to register.

No Webinars for June and July

There will be no webinars for June and July, and we will resume in August.

Newsletters will still be published and if you have any SBDM questions, please email Mia Morales or call (502) 564-2116, ext. 4046.

Monthly Agenda Topics

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has compiled a list of topics and reminders for planning monthly SBDM agendas. Below are suggested topics for consideration at your June SBDM meetings.

Councils should progress monitor the CSIP and adjust course as needed.
Complete any personnel consultations for new school year.
Discuss and approve School Emergency Management Plan (if not addressed in May).

As always, please remind council members that the goal of their work is to increase student achievement and that this should be at the forefront of every discussion, policy and decision.

Free Access to KET's Online SBDM 101

In partnership with KDE, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) is offering the online self-paced and facilitated SBDM 101 course free to the first 210 participants. Free registrations are on a first come, first served basis.

Please note that once those 210 spots are filled, the course is still available for completion and the cost is $95 per person.

Please share the 2025 SBDM 101 Registration Form with your new council members interested in the training. Once they are confirmed as new council members, the instructions on how to use the coupon code and the coupon code itself will be shared with them.

Legislative Guidance

Last month, the Kentucky Department of Education released legislative guidance on education-related bills passed during the 2025 Legislative Session. You can find guidance on 2025 bills within the 2025 Legislative Guidance document.

Success Stories of Effective Partnerships with Families

During its 2023 term, the Kentucky Department of Education's Family Partnership Council members conducted an in-depth analysis of the latest research on family partnerships and collaborated to create the Family Partnership Council’s recommendations to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).

One of the recommendations noted that KDE should encourage districts and schools to develop local webpages that include more robust relationship-building and communication metrics regarding meaningful family and community engagement. KDE is seeking to fulfill this recommendation by highlighting districts and schools that are doing family partnerships well and what they are doing with a special focus on innovative practices.

KDE is encouraging all Kentucky districts and schools to utilize the Success Stories of Effective Partnerships with Families form to share their stories of creating trusting relationships with families as partners that are making a positive impact for both students and families. Stories will be shared as a resource and inspiration to other schools across the Commonwealth as we seek innovative and successful ways to partner with our parents, families and our communities.

If you are interested in learning more about those success stories already submitted, please visit the District and School Success Stories website. To learn more about the council, please visit the Family Partnership Council webpage.

RESOURCES

School-Based Decision Making webpage

Comprehensive Improvement Planning webpage

CONTACTS

Mia Morales
Program Consultant
(502) 564-2116, ext. 4046

Kentucky Department of Education
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