The Alabama Board of Education made significant strides in recognizing excellence in school counseling during its recent meeting on September 22, 2025. The board unanimously adopted several resolutions honoring outstanding school counselors across various districts for their contributions to the Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction for 2021.

Among those recognized were Amanda Blake and Shaniqua Roberson from Daphne Middle School, as well as Summer Davis, Christy Elderkin, and Katrina Ken from ER Dixon Elementary School. The board also honored Carissa Davis and Janie Evans from J. Larry Newton Elementary School, Shannon Parker from Malachi Wilkerson Mill Middle School, and Brandy Shanklin, Latonya Jemison, and Emily Woodruff from Hillcrest High School. Each resolution received unanimous support, highlighting the board's commitment to acknowledging the vital role of school counselors in supporting student success.

In addition to these recognitions, the board proclaimed October 2022 as Statewide Parent Engagement Month in Alabama, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in education. The board also approved a new early childhood education program at the University of Montevallo, aiming to enhance educational opportunities for young learners.

The meeting also addressed administrative updates, including the approval of the Alabama State Department of Education's fiscal year 2023 operating budget and several amendments to the Alabama Administrative Code. Notably, the board adopted new rules concerning mental health service coordinators, which sparked discussion regarding the implications of ongoing school counseling services for students under 14. While some board members expressed concerns about the clarity of these new regulations, the majority voted in favor of the amendments, indicating a move towards improved mental health support in schools.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's dedication to fostering educational excellence and mental health awareness, setting a positive trajectory for Alabama's educational landscape.