The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board (MCSAB) has announced the retirement of its executive director of nearly eight years.
Dr. Lisa Karmacharya has served as the executive director of MCSAB – a board that authorizes high-quality charter schools with a focus on expanding opportunities for underserved Mississippi students – since February 2019 and has been a key factor in the organization’s development, according to MCSAB.
“At the beginning of her tenure, MCSAB oversaw four operational charter schools, with a fifth preparing to open, while simultaneously working to strengthen staffing, policies, accountability systems and organizational infrastructure,” MCSAB wrote in a release. “During her tenure, MCSAB’s portfolio more than doubled in both the number of schools and students served.”
MCSAB added that, under Dr. Karmacharya, the organization also strengthened its performance frameworks, policies, and authorizing practices, in addition to expanding technical assistance and resources for its charter schools. Dr. Karmacharya also helped develop a new charter school financial handbook, expanded national training opportunities, and established additional resources for board members, schools, and the public.
According to MCSAB, last year, for the first time since 2017, the Mississippi Legislature’s Joint Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review had no improvement recommendations for the board to make. Dr. Karmacharya has received ample positive reviews on MCSAB’s performance, policies, and practices from multiple institutions and organizations.
“You will be in good hands as I officially submit this letter announcing my retirement from public service effective January 1, 2027,” Dr. Karmacharya wrote in a farewell letter.
The organization noted that, through her leadership, MCSAB has advanced its role as Mississippi’s statewide charter school authorizer while undergoing significant, positive growth.
“Dr. Karmacharya’s leadership has helped shape MCSAB into the organization it is today,” MCSAB Board Chair Candace Hunt said. “The Board is grateful for her years of dedicated public service, and for the systems, standards, and foundation she leaves in place for the future.”
Further information regarding the leadership transition and a potential replacement for Dr. Karmacharya will be announced at a later date.