The Alabama Board of Education held a work session on August 11, 2025, focusing on the establishment of a textbook committee for career and technical education. The session began with Dr. Ledwell addressing the committee's formation, highlighting the challenges in assembling a group of experts in specialized fields such as cosmetology, education and training, and hospitality and tourism.

Dr. Ledwell noted the difficulty in finding qualified individuals willing to serve on the committee, particularly in these niche areas compared to broader subjects like social studies. Despite these challenges, a diverse group of candidates from each board district was presented for consideration. The committee aims to ensure that the selected textbooks meet the specific needs of career and technical education programs across Alabama.

The meeting underscored the importance of having knowledgeable representatives who can contribute effectively to the development of educational resources in these specialized fields. The board will continue to evaluate the recommendations and work towards finalizing the committee's composition in future sessions.