The State Department of Education told the board it will propose a rule amendment to align Alabama’s requirements for child nutrition program directors with recent federal changes, a move the department said would widen the pool of eligible candidates for central-office director positions in smaller districts.

Under the proposal described to the board, districts with fewer than 2,500 students would be able to qualify a child nutrition program director with a high school diploma plus a set of certifications (rather than requiring a bachelor’s degree or a licensed nutritionist). For districts with more than 2,500 students, the department indicated a bachelor’s degree would remain a requirement; however, staff said the rule would list multiple acceptable bachelor’s‑level options so candidates without a specific nutritionist degree could qualify in related fields after completing certification steps.

Angeline Sloan (spelled “Angeline Slow” in the transcript), who department remarks identified as the child nutrition lead, was present for the discussion and staff emphasized the practical effect: the proposal would help retain and promote experienced cafeteria managers and site leaders who lack a nutritionist degree but have operational experience and can complete certification.

Department staff described the change as matching finalized federal guidance and said the proposed state rule would be announced, lay on the table for two meetings and return for finalization according to the department’s rulemaking process.

Board members and staff also discussed broader child nutrition work the department oversees, including school breakfast support, Summer Food Service Program distribution and funds the legislature provided to help schools that otherwise would run breakfast programs “in the red.” Department staff said those legislative funds were distributed and helped preserve breakfast programs in districts that otherwise might have reduced offerings.

The department asked the board to approve announcing the proposed rule to begin the two‑meeting notice process; final action would come after the statutorily required notice period.