The State Board of Education (SBOE) convened for its first meeting and work session of the year at the University of South Alabama in Mobile Thursday, followed by a board retreat.

Legislative and Budget Outlook

State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey previewed the 2026 regular legislative session, which begins Tuesday, noting the board’s requested budget priorities likely will be addressed in the governor's recommended budget. The FY27 Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget hearing for the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) is scheduled Monday, Feb. 2, as the governor's budget recommendation will be transmitted to the Legislature during the first week of the legislative session. This year, the ETF will originate in the House. 

View AASB's detailed coverage of the FY27 ALSDE budget request approved by the board in October.

Stay tuned! Our weekly legislative coverage begins in the Jan. 16 issue of the “Advocate for Schools” newsletter.

Board Actions

The SBOE approved a resolution establishing the state’s first master’s level educator preparation program for teachers of visually impaired students at Auburn University at Montgomery. The board also designated February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) month. 

February Work Session Preview

Mackey previewed several items scheduled for next month’s work session, specifically the recently updated draft of the Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Model, which was released for public comment in October. The board also plans to revisit social studies textbook committee proposals originally presented for adoption last fall but tabled after members raised questions about the textbook selection and review process.

View the draft 2025 Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Model for Alabama Public Schools.

2025 Legislative School Performance Program Awards 

The SBOE will invite schools honored through the 2025 Legislative School Performance Award Program to the February meeting, along with their legislators. The program honors two categories of top performers: those ranking in the top 25 schools within the top 25 percent of public schools statewide and the 25 schools showing the greatest year-over-year progress by improving at least one letter grade on the state report card.

View the 2025 Top Performing Schools. 

View the 2025 Most Improved Schools. 

For AASB members wishing to attend the SBOE meeting for the Legislative School Performance Program Awards, please know you are welcome to park and use our facilities at the AASB office. Simply let us know that you will be here by calling the AASB office at (334) 277-9700.  

Upcoming Resolutions

February's meeting will recognize excellence in school counseling, visual arts education and the 2026 State Superintendent's Visual Arts Exhibit. 

• Resolution proclaiming February 2026 as Alabama School Counseling Month
• Resolution recognizing the 2025 Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction 

Next SBOE Meeting and Work Session

The board’s next regular meeting will take place Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, 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/ 

Ada Katherine van Wyhe, MPA
Director of Governmental Relations