The Alabama State Board of Education held its January meeting and work session Thursday, marking a transition in board leadership and discussing several key issues.

The meeting opened with recognition of two departing members:

• Stephanie Bell (District 3) concluded her tenure as the longest-serving state board of education member in both Alabama history and nationally, having served since 1994.
• Belinda McRae (District 7) also was recognized for her four years of service on the SBOE and for her previous role as the first woman to serve on the Marion County Board of Education.

Two new board members, Kelley Mooney and Allen Long, will be sworn in at the SBOE’s retreat scheduled later this month.

Other Meeting Action

• The board voted unanimously to announce its intent to change the Alabama Administrative Code pertaining to teacher preparation programs. The Alabama Program Improvement for Educators (AL-PIE) will replace the current Continuous Improvement in Educator Preparation (CIEP) program. The resolution remains open for public comment until the SBOE’s March vote.
   
• The board approved the initiation of a committee to modernize the Digital Literacy and Computer Science Course of Study, last updated in 2018. Key areas of focus for the new K-12 standards will include information literacy and detection of misinformation as well as critical thinking skills.

Board Work Session Discussion

Legislative School Performance Recognition: During the work session, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey announced the schools being honored through the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program at the February board meeting. The program recognizes two categories of schools:  

• those ranking in the top 25% based on the school grading system, and 
• those demonstrating exemplary progress by improving their annual ranking by at least one letter grade

A total of $250,000 in stipends will be distributed among the recognized schools, with improved schools receiving larger amounts than top performers. The ceremony will coincide with a legislative day, and state legislators will be invited to attend. Mackey noted the honorees represent a diverse geographic distribution, with most board districts having at least one recognized school.

CHOOSE Act Implementation: The board engaged in substantial discussion about the increasing number of parent and constituent inquiries regarding the CHOOSE Act, including:

• How families below poverty level can benefit
• Whether public school districts can participate as providers
• How the program applies to tuition payments between school districts
• What expenses beyond tuition might qualify (such as tutoring, supplies, or computers)

Although the program is related to education, Mackey clarified the CHOOSE Act is a tax credit, and implementation lies with the Department of Revenue, not the State Board of Education. Public inquiries need to be directed to the Revenue Department, he added.

Key points about the program:

• For the 2025-26 school year, eligibility is initially based on family income (up to 300% of poverty level, approximately $93,000)
• The Legislature has allocated $50 million for the program's first year
• Tax credits can benefit families even if they don't pay taxes, as it's structured as a credit rather than a rebate
• The program will expand eligibility in subsequent years, ultimately becoming universal and available to any parent in 2027

Given the complexity of these questions and the need for accurate guidance, Mackey said representatives from the Department of Revenue will be invited to attend February's work session to answer questions. In the meantime, board members and school districts should direct specific implementation questions to the Department of Revenue's dedicated website for the program.

New CTE Initiative: Virtual Reality Mobile Unit: In an exciting development for Alabama's rural education, the ALSDE announced the department has acquired an 18-wheeler transfer truck to serve as a mobile Career & Technical Training hub.

The truck will feature virtual reality and simulation technology, allowing students to experience various career paths firsthand - from advanced manufacturing to specialized skills like underwater welding. Mackey said this approach particularly benefits communities with limited access to traditional CTE programs or dual enrollment opportunities.

The ALSDE will take a strategic approach to deploying the truck:

• Schools with minimal existing CTE programs
• Areas lacking dual enrollment partnerships
• Communities with identified high-demand job opportunities
• Districts with limited access to technical training facilities

While some pilot visits may occur this spring, full deployment is scheduled for the 2025-26 school year. The Department is working closely with vendors to customize the truck's equipment and simulators to align with Alabama's workforce needs.

Mackey emphasized the effort isn't just a "feel-good" initiative, but a targeted effort to expose students to high-demand career opportunities they might not otherwise encounter. Additionally, the program will work in tandem with local industry partners to ensure training aligns with regional workforce demands.

Board Retreat Later this Month: The board has a busy calendar ahead, with the Board Retreat scheduled for January 28 and 29 at the Marriott in Prattville. This retreat will include the swearing-in ceremony for the board’s two new members, discussion of NAEP scores (to be released January 29), and strategic planning sessions.

Next SBOE Meeting and Work Session:

The board’s next regular meeting will take place during Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Montgomery with a work session immediately following:

• Gordon Persons Building Auditorium
• Livestream viewing: https://www.youtube.com/user/aldeptofed/live
• Archived meeting and work session recordings: https://www.alabamaachieves.org/state-board-of-education/meeting-videos/