About Us
Expanding educational opportunities for West Virginia children by authorizing high quality charter schools.
The Professional Charter School Board (PCSB) was created by the West Virginia legislature in 2021 to serve as a statewide authorizer for public charter schools. It is separate from the West Virginia Department of Education. PCSB members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The PCSB, and the charter schools it authorizes, are subject to the general supervision of the State Board of Education solely for the purposes of accountability for meeting the standards for student performance required of other public school students in West Virginia.
PCSB Bylaws (revised August 8, 2024)
Board Members
Adam Kissel
Chairman
Adam Kissel is the chairman of the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board. He is also a board member of The Philadelphia Society and Visiting Fellow for Higher Education Reform at The Heritage Foundation. Adam has supported higher education through teaching, writing, research, philanthropy, government service, and defense of academic freedom and individual rights for professors and students. He supported civic literacy with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, fundamental rights at the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, and philanthropy at the Charles Koch Foundation and The Philanthropy Roundtable.
Karen Bailey-Chapman
Board Member
Karen is a passionate leader in advocacy, public policy, and government affairs strategies across local, state, and federal jurisdictions. She has dedicated her career to creating and delivering unique and effective initiatives spanning multiple specializations and industries. She currently serves as Senior Vice President for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and resides with her husband Mike in Jefferson County.
Dr. Chanda Adkins
Board Member
Dr. Chanda Adkins is a lifelong West Virginian dedicated to service in healthcare, education, and her community. A 2005 graduate of West Virginia University’s School of Pharmacy, she completed her pharmacy practice residency at Charleston Area Medical Center in 2009. Chanda is a graduate of Morgantown Beauty Academy and also holds a teaching certificate from the West Virginia Baptist Convention. Over the past two decades, she has worked in retail, hospital, government, and clinical pharmacy settings. In 2018, Dr. Adkins was appointed to the West Virginia Legislature and has also been a small business owner. She currently serves as president of West Virginians for Health Freedom, the state’s largest health freedom organization. She brings experience and perspective from both public and private education as a parent. She and her husband, Brian, live in Beckley with their two children and are active members of their local church.
Senator Amy Grady
ex officio Board Member
Amy Grady is a West Virginia State Senator serving the 4th District. Senator Grady is the chair of Senate Education committee.
Delegate Joe Ellington
ex officio Board Member
Joe Ellington is a West Virginia Delegate serving the 27th District. Delegate Ellington is the chair of the Education Committee in the House of Delegates.
Staff
Bridget Carr
Grants Manager
Bridget Carr is the Grants Manager for the PCSB. A graduate of Glenville State University, Bridget earned a B.S. in Behavioral Science before continuing her education at Liberty University, where she completed a M.A. in Human Services Counseling. Currently, Bridget is continuing her educational journey at Liberty where she is pursuing a Doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership, further honing her expertise in organizational management and leadership.
Before joining the WVPCSB, Bridget spent six years at Glenville State University in various roles developing a versatile skill set across student support services, and most recently as the Director of the International Program. In each role, Bridget demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting students and driving student success.
Email: bridget.carr@wvpcsb.org
Mailing Address:
WV Professional Charter School Board
PO Box 399
Kearneysville, WV 25430