The State Board of Education voted to adopt State Textbook Committee recommendations for English/language arts (ELA) textbooks, grades 4-12, while approving another resolution to take no action on the committee’s recommendations for adoption of ELA textbooks, grades K-3. Dr. Wayne Reynolds (District 8) abstained on both votes. 

There was substantive discussion about board member concerns regarding the K-3 list containing only one approved core reading program, an issue created when one of the reading programs recommended by the Literacy Task Force was too old to be considered by the State Textbook Committee. Board members expressed frustration about legislation that delegates department responsibilities to external, state-appointed committees and task forces. 

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey explained local boards can use local or federal funds to move forward with their local selection processes for K-3 textbooks. Boards opting to use state funds can use their local textbook selection process to choose one of the two programs recommended by the Literacy Task Force. Mackey said a third option could be to wait for the ALSDE to restart the Request for Proposal process, which he said is not likely to happen soon. 

Other Board Meeting Action

• The board adopted a new Alabama Administrative Code rule that will allow the State Department of Education to use an electronic signature program for state documents. Mackey said the new rule will greatly reduce the time spent routing documents for physical signatures. 
• The board announced intent to adopt an amended Alabama Administrative Code rule changing permit and inspection requirements for school facilities. The rule change is needed to align the code with a bill passed last year allowing school systems to bypass the Division of Construction Management for projects costing less than $500,000 or for roofing or HVAC improvements. Local boards of education which choose to go this route must sign an affidavit assuming liability for inspection and occupancy requirements. The board also adopted an emergency rule Alabama Administrative Code rule allowing the change to go into effect immediately. 
• The board approved resolutions in recognition of March 2022 as Arts Education Month and March 7-11, 2022, as School Breakfast Week. 

Board Work Session

The work session following Thursday’s meeting included robust discussion about education-related bills filed this legislative session and the department’s interactions with lawmakers, something Reynolds described as “the elephant in the room.” 

Board members expressed concerns about the proposed Numeracy Act, which aims to address math achievement in the state. The wide-ranging bill would mandate specific actions to improve students’ math performance with stiff penalties including state intervention for schools that fail to show sufficient progress. 

Several board members lamented what they perceive as the department’s “reactive” stance when it comes to education legislation, with the department and the legislature working in isolation – and in some cases, opposition. 

Dr. Cynthia McCarty (District 6) said she would like to see the department having more discussions with lawmakers when the legislature is not in session with a goal of getting the department and the legislature on the same page. 

Also during the work session, the board received the following updates from department staff:

• Interim Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brandon Payne updated the board on a variety of personnel developments, including new hires and training programs for employees as well as process improvements.
• Prevention and Support Services Coordinator Dr. Marilyn Lewis shared an update on the department’s supports related to classroom disruptions and behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased reports of classroom behavior problems and mental health issues. Lewis discussed assistance available for schools such as student mental health first aid and regional safety coordinators who support schools in dealing with behavior and mental health. 

Work session discussion also included intent to adopt two administrative code changes:

• Student Health Services: This rule change would allow teachers and coaches to administer anti-seizure medication in medical emergencies. 
• Extended Learning Opportunities: This change would outline the procedures for how out-of-school learning opportunities can qualify for academic credit. Local boards will have the authority to approve such opportunities. 

Next SBOE Meeting

The board’s next meeting will take place March 10 at 10 a.m. in Montgomery with a work session immediately following.