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Senate committee advises and consents to two charter authorizer board nominees amid questions about school performance
Summary
The Senate Committee on Nominations voted to advise and consent to Jay Carney and Erin Michelle Meyer to serve on the state Charter School authorizer board. Lawmakers pressed Meyer on charter school accountability and she affirmed willingness to close underperforming schools if warranted.
The Senate Committee on Nominations voted to advise and consent to two nominees for the Mississippi Charter School authorizer board: Jay Carney (senate nomination 12), whose appointment is effective June 3, and Erin Michelle Meyer (senate nomination 96), appointed effective March 1, 2025 for a three-year term.
The nominations drew little debate for Carney, who joined the hearing by Zoom and summarized his background in construction and ministry. "It's an honor to be considered to serve on the Mississippi Charter School Board," Carney said, describing himself as originally from Columbia and noting an MBA from Southern Miss.
The committee spent more time with Erin Meyer, a former prosecutor and current Department of Education official. Senators pressed Meyer on charter-school performance and political pressure. "I think sometimes we have to make some tough decisions to move the state forward," Meyer said, and when asked whether she would close underperforming charter schools even in the face of public pressure she replied, "Even so. I've been put in some pretty sticky situations. Education is always controversial, and I think sometimes we have to make some tough decisions to move the state forward."
Why it matters: The Charter School authorizer board oversees charter contracts, monitoring and accountability for charter operators. Several senators told Meyer they want stronger performance and more oversight of charter districts that have persistently low results. Senator Sam Wiggins and Senator John Boyd (both referenced in committee questioning) emphasized that the legislature expects charter operators to use taxpayer dollars efficiently and deliver improved outcomes for students.
Votes at a glance
- Senate nomination 12, Jay Carney — Motion to advise and consent by Senator Blunt; outcome: approved by voice vote. (Tally not specified in the transcript.)
- Senate nomination 96, Erin Michelle Meyer — Motion to advise and consent by Senator Blunt; outcome: approved by voice vote. (Tally not specified in the transcript.)
Details from the hearing: Carney joined by video from an airport and provided a brief personal and professional summary; committee members asked no follow-up questions beyond confirming his background. Meyer described her legal and education experience, including work in the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Education since 2012. Multiple senators urged thorough oversight of charter performance; Meyer said she would apply her experience and follow the rule of law when evaluating charter operators.
The committee asked nominees to file required financial disclosures when appropriate. Meyer told the committee she had already filed her statement of economic interest; other nominees were reminded to file before floor consideration.
The committee’s approvals will be reported to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; approvals were taken by voice vote with the chair announcing "the ayes have it."
