On Sept. 18, 2025, the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation approved two one-year waivers to Process Standard 2.1 of the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards 2025, permitting (1) an Okolona principal to serve also as the school athletic director for 2025–26 and (2) a Coffeeville principal to serve as the district’s work-based learning coordinator for 2025–26. Dr. Malone explained that Process Standard 2.1 generally prohibits principals from assuming duties that require a separate work-area code but allows the commission to grant one-year waivers. Commissioners asked whether districts had documented recruitment efforts; staff said the Okolona submission included only the materials provided in the packet and that the commission does not require a certified athletic director, though a high school athletic association may have its own rules. For Coffeeville, staff confirmed the work-based learning role is locally funded and would not conflict with CTE funding. The commission moved and seconded each waiver and approved them by voice vote. The waivers are limited to the 2025–26 school year as described in the submissions presented to the commission.