Mississippi lawmakers concerned as charter schools lag

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