JFK Shared Decision Making

In an effort to ensure broad participation in educational matters in all school districts in New York State, the Commissioner of Education established regulation 100.11, which was adopted by the Board of Regents. This regulation directs school districts to adopt a plan for the participation of parents, teachers, administrators and school board members in school-based planning and shared decision making. 

The purpose of school-based planning and shared decision making shall be to improve the educational performance of all students in the school, regardless of such factors as socioeconomic status, race, sex, language background, or disability. The Shared Decision Making Committee is comprised of parents, teachers and administrators who meet each month to discuss topics and goals intended to improve the quality of life at school. It is a forum for communication of ideas from different perspectives. Goals emerge from common concerns expressed by committee members and the school community.

Decision Making Steps: 

1. Consensus shall be used as the primary mechanism for decision making.

2. To conduct business and reach consensus, 50% of the Committee must be present. At least one representative from each constituency should be in attendance.

3. If after reasonable efforts, the chairperson/chairpeople and the Committee agree that consensus cannot be reached, the issue must be tabled until the following meeting. All members of the Committee must be notified that a vote will be taken at that meeting.

4. In order for a motion to be carried, 2/3 of the total Shared Decision Making Committee must vote affirmatively for the proposal.

5. When a vote is called for, administrators will receive a total of one vote between them. The total number of teacher votes will be equal to the total number of parent votes, despite the absence of any member or members. If a constituency is not represented at all, their votes are forfeited for that issue.

DISTRICT SDMC PLAN