Lisa Karamcharla
The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board (MCSAB) announces the retirement of Executive Director Dr. Lisa Karmacharya, effective January 1, 2027, following nearly eight years of leadership and service to Mississippi’s public charter schools.
Dr. Karmacharya joined MCSAB as Executive Director in February 2019 at a pivotal time in the organization’s development. 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.
During her tenure, MCSAB’s portfolio more than doubled in both the number of schools and students served. The organization also strengthened its performance frameworks, policies and authorizing practices; expanded technical assistance and resources available to charter schools; developed a new Charter School Financial Handbook; increased access to national training opportunities; and established additional resources for Board members, schools and the public.
In 2025, for the first time since 2017, the Mississippi Legislature’s Joint Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) issued no recommendations to the Board for improvement. Dr. Karmacharya also noted in her retirement letter that MCSAB’s performance frameworks, policies and established practices have received positive review from the National Charter School Institute and Basis Policy Research.
Reflecting on the progress made during her tenure, Dr. Karmacharya credited the MCSAB team with helping build an organization centered on high standards, school autonomy and protection of the student and public interest.
“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.
Throughout her leadership, MCSAB has continued to advance its role as Mississippi’s statewide charter school authorizer while navigating significant organizational growth, changes in Board membership, the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving needs of Mississippi’s twelve public charter schools.
“Dr. Karmacharya’s leadership has helped shape MCSAB into the organization it is today. 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,” said MCSAB Board Chair Candace Hunt.
Additional information regarding the leadership transition will be announced by the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board at a later date.