The Alabama State Board of Education voted Thursday to approve the State Textbook Committee's recommendations for K-12 social studies and arts education textbooks, ending a months-long adoption process that had drawn public debate and board-level disagreement over the content of some materials.

Prior to the vote, State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey strongly urged the board to move forward, noting the materials had been on public display since last summer and the process had already extended past the original November target. He explained districts are waiting on approval to access state-contract pricing, and local systems retain full authority to select from approved options or purchase alternatives with local funds.

Not all board members were persuaded. Jackie Zeigler (District 2) and Wayne Reynolds (District 8) both said they could not support the list as presented, citing concerns about the quality and content of some materials — concerns echoed during the public hearing by two speakers who questioned the balance and accuracy of how certain historical events and religious traditions are represented in the books.

Drawing on more than two decades in education including serving as a local board member and superintendent, Vice President Marie Manning (District 6) urged colleagues to trust the process, noting content standards are being taught and not textbooks page by page. 

Speaking during the public hearing period, Homewood City Schools history teacher Casey Piola, a member of the state textbook committee, warned that without approved materials, teachers will be forced to turn to the internet for resources on sensitive topics, surrendering the quality control the committee's vetting process provides.

The measure passed 5-4, with Gov. Kay Ivey, who presided over the meeting as board president, voting in favor alongside Yvette Richardson (District 4), Tonya Chestnut (District 5), Tracie West (District 2) and Manning. President Pro Tem Kelly Mooney (District 3) and Allen Long (District 7) joined Zeigler and Reynolds in voting against.

Other Action Items

The board also approved:

• K-12 Arts Education Textbook Committee recommendations
• The 2026 Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model (the first updated counseling framework since 2003);
• A resolution appointing the Energy and Natural Resources State Course of Study Committee, a new career and technical education content area; and
• Nominations for two open positions on the Alabama School of Fine Arts Board of Trustees.

Work Session

Thursday's work session opened with a presentation from ALSDE Director of the Office of Teaching and Leading Shavon Harris and Educator Certification Section Administrator Kelly Stanton on the department's intent to repeal and replace Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 290-3-2, which governs teacher certification. The rewrite removes outdated content, aligns with recently adopted educator preparation requirements, codifies changes required by law and adds increased flexibility for applicants and local systems.

New flexibilities include:

• Additional pathways for applicants who do not meet GPA requirements 
• LEAs may submit alternative applications at any point during the school year 
• Removal of the NCE exam for individuals completing a CACREP-accredited counseling program 
• Experience requirement for reciprocity applicants in instructional leadership, counseling and library media reduced from two years to one
• Speech-language pathologists may apply for the Dyslexia Therapist Endorsement

Renewal requirement updates include:

• 50 clock hours required during the five-year valid period, focused on the certificate(s) held
• Professional learning units and required professional learning will be ALSDE-approved
• Retired educator option: educators with at least 25 years of Alabama service may obtain a lifetime certificate for a $200 fee

The board announced intent to repeal and replace the chapter Thursday, with a formal adoption vote expected in June following the required public comment period. View Presentation

Superintendent's Update

Mackey provided a budget update, noting the House-passed version includes a 2% educator pay raise but fell short on two department priorities:

• The $7 million proposed for state-written K-5 reading and social studies materials was zeroed out, with some legislators preferring to defer to the incoming governor, potentially pushing the project to the 2027 session
• Grade-level reading funding was level-funded at $10 million, well below the $52 million increase the department sought 

Mackey said he will continue working with Senate leadership on both items and expects the Senate to take up the budget after the legislative spring break March 23 - 27.

Next SBOE Meeting and Work Session

The board’s next regular meeting will take place Thursday, April 9, 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/