The Alabama Board of Education convened on July 27, 2025, for a work session focused on administrative code changes related to charter schools, prompted by recent legislative updates. The meeting began with a discussion led by Miss West, who outlined the timeline for adopting these changes, indicating that public notice would be provided in September, with a return for final approval in November.

The first significant change discussed was the definition of "charter operator," which had been previously undefined in the law but was necessary for clarity in guidelines. This definition is particularly relevant to the Montgomery conversion process. Additionally, the board addressed changes in terminology regarding local authorizers, shifting from "registration" to "application" for local school boards seeking to become charter school authorizers.

A notable amendment requires local authorizers to reapply every five years to maintain their status, a change that affects current authorizers like those in Montgomery and Birmingham. The board also emphasized the importance of annual training for local authorizers, ensuring they remain informed and compliant with updated regulations.

The meeting highlighted the transition of responsibilities to a newly established Charter Commission, which has faced challenges due to a lack of appointed members, resulting in confusion about operational procedures. The board reassured that charter schools remain public schools under their oversight, with ongoing monitoring and support for their operations.

Despite the transition, the board remains committed to ensuring that charter schools receive the necessary resources and oversight. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding the new charter school law and a commitment to maintaining effective communication and support for local authorizers and charter schools moving forward.