School Based Decision Making Council Parent Member: Marian R. Vasser

School Based Decision Making Council Parent Member: Marian R. Vasser

My name is Marian R. Vasser and I currently serve as the Director of Diversity Education and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Louisville, where I have been employed for over 24 years.  My personal and professional passions include working to build climates that are more inclusive and equitable for all.  In addition to being engaged in this critical work at UofL and throughout the community, I also get to blend it with another passion of mine, which is being a mom.  I am the proud mother of three talented, intelligent, and handsome young men.  My oldest son (Trey), who was also a JCPS student, is now 23 and working at General Electric.  My 14 year-old twins (Tavon and Tobias) are currently 8^th graders at Noe Middle School.  I am very active in my children’s education and try to serve in ways that not only increase their chances of success, but the success other children as well.

When my oldest son was in school, I had several unpleasant experiences as a result of inequitable practices.  I recall being very frustrated far too often and deciding something had to change.  Many of the teachers I encountered were simply following policies and procedures, while totally unaware of how certain students (including my son) were being ushered directly into the school-to prison pipeline as a result.  The more engaged I became, the more I learned about policies and procedures that needed to change.   At that time, my schedule was less flexible and I was only able to show up at the school periodically.  Although my son graduated on time, I was extremely frustrated by this experience and now concerned that I had twins entering the same system.  My oldest son had a really rough time navigating his educational experience.  Fortunately, my twins had a better experience for several reasons.  They became more focused and I was able to commit more time to getting involved in their school.  It made a world of difference, let me tell you.  In addition to being active in PTA, even serving as president several years, I also became a member of the School Based Decision Making Council (SBDM).

The SBDM Council is responsible for setting school policy (consistent with Jefferson County Board of Education [JCBE] policy) that will provide an environment to enhance student achievement and to help students meet established academic goals.  The SBDM Council has authority in the following areas:

•  Determination of curriculum, including needs assessment, curriculum development, and responsibilities under KRS 158.6453(19);
•  Assignment of all instructional and noninstructional staff time;
• Assignment of students to classes and programs within the school;
• Determination of the schedule of the school day and week, subject to the beginning and ending times of the school day and school calendar year as established by the local board;
• Determination of use of school space during the school day related to improving classroom teaching and learning;
•  Planning and resolution of issues regarding instructional practices;
• Selection and implementation of discipline and classroom management techniques as a part of a comprehensive school safety plan, including responsibilities of the student, parent, teacher, counselor, and principal;
• Selection of extracurricular programs and determination of policies relating to student participation based on academic qualifications and attendance requirements, program evaluations, and supuervision;
• Adoption of an emergency plan as required in KRS 158.162;
• Procedures, consistent with local school board policy, for determining alignment with state standards, technology utilization, and program appraisal; and
•  Procedures to assist the council with consultation in the selection of personnel by the principal, including but not limited to meetings, timelines, interviews, review of written application, and review of references.