Commission approves Itawamba School District waiver to allow principal to drive bus amid driver shortage

The Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation on April 4 approved a waiver request from Itawamba School District that would allow a school principal to perform bus-driving duties through the end of the school year to cover for a shortage of bus drivers.

Dr. Malone presented the district's request, saying the district had contacted the Department's Office of Pupil Transportation about the shortage and was seeking a formal waiver "to get them through the end of the year by allowing their principal to do some bus driving," according to the presentation.

Brad Stevens moved to consider the waiver; Dr. Lauren Bailey seconded. The commission voted by voice and the motion carried. The transcript records multiple "ayes" but does not provide a roll-call tally.

The commission did not record additional conditions on the waiver in the transcript; Department staff noted the district had been in contact with the Office of Pupil Transportation. The commission's approval directs staff and the district to document waiver terms and ensure any necessary transportation safety or credentialing requirements are satisfied before the principal assumes driving duties.

What happens next: Department staff and the district will finalize the waiver documentation and verify compliance with relevant safety and credentialing requirements. The transcript indicates the waiver is intended as a short-term measure through the end of the school year.