Dr. Karla Johnson talks new role at PALCS , Initiative & More!

Classix 107.9’s beloved radio hosts Lady B sat down with a true history-maker: Dr. Karla Johnson. Dr. Karla Johnson is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS), a statewide public online charter school serving over 3,000 K–12 students across the Commonwealth. Her appointment is historic—Dr. Johnson is among the first Black women to lead a public cyber charter school in Pennsylvania and one of the few Black women currently serving as CEO in the broader charter school space.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dr. Johnson is both a product and champion of the city’s educational community. Her story is one of lived experience, persistence, and purpose. She began her career as a science teacher and has risen—step by step, role by role—through the ranks of educational leadership.

PALCS is a public cyber charter school for grades K–12 with flexible online learning that offers rigorous academics, college/career prep, and personalized support. PALCS is currently enrolling students for the 2025–2026 school year – Learn more at PALCS.org or follow on social @PALCSorg.”