KRS 160.345 outlines the law regarding SBDM elections. The law states that the PTA or largest organization formed at the school for the purpose of parent elections should conduct the election. A school’s SBDM is its’ governing body' for the school. It determines school policy for curriculum, staffing, discipline, scheduling, instructional practices, extra-curricular activities and other school related matters.

Two parents are elected each year to serve on this council.  Any parent, step-parent, foster parent or legal guardian of a current or future student can fulfill this role.  A parent is not eligible to serve if he/she is an employee or relative of an employee of that school or the district central office, or a local school board member or the spouse of a school board member.

KRS 160.345 states that elected nominees shall complete training.  First time members shall complete a minimum of 6 hours of training in the processes of school-based decision-making no later than 30 days after the beginning of the service year for which they are elected to serve. Returning School Council members who have served on a school Council at least one year shall complete a minimum of 3 hours of training no later than 120 days after beginning of the service year for which they are elected to serve.