They were told the other acceptable courtesy titles were Mrs., Ms., or Miss. Using "teacher" was also out of the question.
After being denied Teacher, Professor, or Dr. as the title (the last because they did not have a PhD even though evidently others in the school go by Dr. without a PhD without discipline). And note that "Mr." was apparently not an option?
The school's hands weren't tied. They appear enthusiastic.
If she were still a middle schooler, her husband might not have left her.