Your one-stop shop for Kentucky education resources

School-Based Decision Making Newsletter – June 2026

Kentucky Department of Education sent this bulletin at 06/02/2026 08:00 AM EDT

School-Based Decision Making Newsletter

June 2026

New Coordinator Training

Please note that those SBDM coordinators and trainers brand new to their work and role will need to engage in a more in-depth and introductory training to SBDM in addition to the annual endorsement training. The New Coordinator Training is scheduled for June 23 at 10 a.m. ET. You can register through the SBDM New Coordinator Training form.

Virtual Experienced Member Training

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will be hosting a virtual experienced member training on the Council’s Role with Continuous Improvement on June 16-17 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. ET. Members will have to participate on both days to obtain their certificate.

During the training, council members will learn about the comprehensive school improvement plan and their role in developing the school’s plan. We’ll highlight the changes in the planning process, including the new Cognia Improvement Platform where the school and district plans will be housed.

KDE recommends 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 2026-2027 Council’s Role with Continuous Improvement Registration form to receive additional details regarding the training opportunity.

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 council members:

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)
SBDM Leadership: A Principal's Guide (self-paced)

All the training modules and their materials can be found on KDE's SBDM Training webpage. More information about each individual training is available in the SBDM Training Module flyer.

Writing Policy

One of the legislative changes made by House Bill (HB) 257 modified KRS 158.6453(19). The changes now require the district’s writing program to include:

Disciplinary-specific writing across the curriculum; and
Incorporation of a variety of language resources, technological tools and multiple opportunities for students to develop complex communication skills for a variety of purposes.

KRS 160.345(2)(i)(1) requires SBDMs to adopt a policy for curriculum responsibilities under KRS 158.6453(19) regarding the writing program. School councils should monitor the district changes to the district-level writing program and ensure the school’s policy aligns and make any appropriate changes they deem necessary.

No Webinar in June and July

There will be no webinars for June and July; webinars will resume in August. Newsletters will still be published. If you have any SBDM questions, please reach out to Mia Morales by email or by calling (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.

Progress monitor the comprehensive school improvement plan (CSIP) and adjust course as needed.
Engage in hiring consultations for upcoming school year in accordance with the consultation policy.
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.

2026 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit Keynote Announced and Registration Open

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia invite you to a two-day event designed to elevate your impact in education. Mark your calendars to attend the 2026 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit on Sept. 21-22 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington!

Mike Rutherford, 2026 Continuous Improvement Summit keynote speaker, will engage participants with conversations on high-performance teaching and learning, leadership development, creating and leading team-based organizations and results-based organizational improvement.

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 2026 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit registration webpage to register.

RESOURCES

KDE's School-Based Decision Making webpage

KDE's Comprehensive Improvement Planning webpage

CONTACTS

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

Kentucky Department of Education
Subscriber Preferences | Unsubscribe | Help

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by Kentucky Department of Education.