解:$(1)$∵$MN$是$AB$的垂直平分线
∴$AD = BD$
$ \triangle BCD$的周长$= BC + CD + BD $
$= BC + CD + AD = BC + AC$
∵$AC = 15,$$\triangle BCD$的周长等于$25$
∴$BC = 10$
$ (2)$∵$AB = AC,$$∠A = 36°$
∴$∠ABC=∠ACB=\frac 12(180°-∠A)=72°$
∵$MN$是$AB$的垂直平分线
∴$AD = BD,$则$∠ABD=∠A = 36°$
∴$∠CBD=∠ABC-∠ABD = 72°-36°=36°$