Required Annual Documents
Pursuant to KRS 158.186, school-based decision making (SBDM) council members should receive copies of the two statutes linked below:
The attorney general's office requires that the below documents be distributed to council members within 60 days of the beginning of the council's term.
- “The Kentucky Open Records and Open Meetings Acts” explains the provisions of the acts.
- “Managing Government Records” provides guidance on how to manage public records and how to keep them organized and accessible.
- “Proof of Receipt” (on the last page of the “The Kentucky Open Records and Open Meetings Acts” document) must be signed by all council members to verify that they have received copies of “The Kentucky Open Records and Open Meetings Acts” and “Managing Government Records.” This signed form is kept on file at the school office.
Superintendents verify distribution of the resources by completing the Certificate of Distribution form (also on the last page of the “The Kentucky Open Records and Open Meetings” document).
These documents also can also be found on KDE’s SBDM Technical Documents webpage. Please ensure SBDM council members receive these documents and sign the Proof of Receipt signature page. Pursuant to KRS 160.395, the distribution may be by an electronic means.
Staffing Adjustments
Pursuant to 702 KAR 3:246, any adjustments made to Section 4 and Section 5 staffing due to increases in salary schedules, salary adjustments, or increases or decreases in enrollment are to be made by Sept. 15. The council must be notified of any adjustments if the adjustment represents a change in staffing due to enrollment increases or decreases.
Comprehensive Improvement Planning for Schools
School improvement efforts are a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders. Through the improvement planning process, leaders focus on priority needs, funding and closing achievement gaps among identified subgroups of students. When implemented with fidelity, the comprehensive school improvement plan (CSIP) cultivates an environment that promotes student growth and achievement.
An updated Cognia Improvement Platform is launching in August. The process for improvement planning will be changing, but most plan elements and the timeline remain the same. You can find the timeline for comprehensive school improvement planning outlined in 703 KAR 5:225. Additional information regarding the 2026-2027 planning phases can be found on KDE's Comprehensive Improvement Planning webpage. More information regarding the planning process for 2026-2027 will be shared at the 2026 Continuous Improvement Summit.
Please note that for schools operating a Title I Schoolwide Program, this comprehensive school improvement plan meets the requirements of Section 1114 of the Every Student Succeeds Act as well as state requirements under 703 KAR 5:225. No separate Schoolwide Program Plan is required.
Spanish-translated SBDM 101
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is excited to share a Spanish-translated participant’s guide for SBDM 101. This guide matches the English version of the SBDM 101 participant guide and can be used in conjunction with the English version.
You can find the Spanish-translated participant’s guide on KDE's SBDM Training webpage. Endorsed trainers will need to coordinate verbal translation services, if necessary.
Resource Spotlight
The Principal Packet is a resource designed for new principals to assist them with leading the school-based decision making council as the chairperson. It includes resources for open records, closed meetings, open meetings frequently asked questions (FAQ), common SBDM missteps and more! Although it is designed for new principals, this resource may be shared with any principal that may find it useful.
KDE SBDM Training Opportunities
KDE offers SBDM training modules at no cost to Kentucky's schools and districts. On the SBDM Training webpage, you’ll find the free training materials for SBDM 101, Rise to Proficiency, Roles and Responsibilities, and Decisions with Data. You can also find the online, self-paced options, including: Council’s Role with Continuous Improvement, Roles and Responsibilities, and SBDM Leadership: A Principal’s Guide.
For more detailed information on each KDE module, as well as other KDE-approved SBDM training modules that are offered by individuals and organizations outside of KDE, please review the SBDM Training Modules flyer. SBDM trainings are to be conducted by KDE-endorsed district coordinators and trainers.
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