The Alabama Board of Education convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on mental health services in schools. The meeting began with public comments regarding the proposed adoption of a new Alabama Administrative Code rule concerning mental health service coordinators.

Dr. Daniel Birdsong, president of the Alabama School Counselor Association, was the first to address the board. He advocated for the new code, which aims to clarify existing ambiguities in the mental health service coordinator law. Dr. Birdsong emphasized the importance of distinguishing between services provided by licensed mental health providers and those offered by certified school counselors. He highlighted the critical role of school counseling programs in enhancing student outcomes, including academic achievement and attendance, and urged the board to support the rule change.

Following Dr. Birdsong, Marlo Young, a mental health service coordinator from Escambia County, shared her experiences and the positive impact of her role within the school system. She expressed gratitude for the board's support and detailed her collaboration with school administration and counselors to promote academic success and social-emotional learning among students. Young also addressed concerns regarding the opt-in policy for mental health services, noting that it has led to confusion about the existing counseling services and the process for obtaining parental consent for tier 3 services.

The meeting concluded the public comment section without further input from Laura Browder, the final speaker listed, who was absent. The board then moved on to discuss unfinished business, indicating a structured approach to addressing ongoing issues within the educational framework.

Overall, the discussions underscored the board's commitment to enhancing mental health support in schools and ensuring clarity in the roles of various educational and mental health professionals. The next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the proposed rule changes and their implementation in Alabama's school systems.