Shared-Decision Making Committee (SDMC)

In Houston ISD, the Shared Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) is a key component of the district's approach to involving the community in school planning and decision-making. The SDMC is established at each school to help the principal and review the district's educational goals, objectives, and major instructional programs. 

The SDMC at each school is responsible for various aspects of campus operations, including implementing and managing school-level planning, developing budget and curriculum recommendations, suggesting staffing pattern changes, developing staff development plans, and developing, reviewing, and revising the School Improvement Plan (SIP). The SDMC also reviews the school's organizational structure and establishes procedures for gathering input from the community, parents, and staff. 

Membership:

The SDMC includes professional and non-professional staff, with at least two-thirds being classroom teachers. It also includes at least two parents selected by the parent organization, at least two community members, at least one business representative appointed by the principal, and the principal who serves as the chairperson. A co-chair is elected from the school's professional staff.

Meetings and Procedures:

The SDMC is required to meet at least once a year to discuss the school's performance and objectives, and must hold at least one public meeting after receiving the annual campus rating from the Texas Education Agency. The goal is to reach consensus on decisions through dialogue and consideration of different viewpoints. Minutes of all meetings are kept and are available for public review. While the SDMC advises the principal, the principal has final authority on fiduciary and financial decisions, except for campus staff development.

Getting Involved:

Professional staff representatives are elected by the faculty, and parents are elected by the PTO or similar organization. Individuals interested in getting involved can contact the school. School community members can also submit non-personnel issues to any SDMC member.

Resources:

Information about specific school's SDMC meetings, members, and minutes can be found here. Please check back for more information as the new school year starts. 

SDMC Members: