JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Performances by charter schools in Mississippi have drawn concerns from lawmakers. The Senate Education Committee challenged the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board to improve in order to justify their place in the public school system.
Dr. Lisa Karmacharya, the executive director of the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board, explained to the committee why there should be more charter schools. She said that there are schools that are not providing high quality options for families.
“Whether they’re in on the coast or in DeSoto County or right here in Jackson or even Madison. And so, those families that are in those districts also deserve a choice,” she said.
Data from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) shows one school earned a “C,” five receive “D” grades, one received a “F,” and three didn’t receive a grade at all this year.
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“I think the board needs to take some action to correct these schools, to raise these grades or to shut them down,” said State Senator Dennis Debar, Jr. (R-District 105).
Debar is hopeful the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board will make improvements.
“If not, I think there needs to be drastic changes by the legislature, whether it’s creating a new board, disbanding this board, putting (it) under the Department of Education or something, because this is not acceptable,” he said.
As Debar pointed out, the accountability ratings set by MDE will be more difficult next year.
“It’s very clear that we’re asking for stronger accountability, so the board can make those decisions,” said Karmacharya.
The Board presented policy suggestions to lawmakers for improvement and school expansion. One idea includes a plan to close any charter school that earns an “F” three years in the row.
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