Baltimore City Public Schools names Dr. Jermaine Dawson as CEO

Dr. Jermaine Dawson will become CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools on July 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. Sonja Santelises, who is stepping down at the end of June after ten years.

Dr. Jermaine Dawson has been appointed chief executive officer of Baltimore City Public Schools and will begin his role on July 1, 2026. He will replace Dr. Sonja Santelises, who is leaving at the end of June after a ten-year tenure. The school board conducted a public search with input from the community and worked with Alma Advisory Group to develop a candidate profile. District officials say Dawson will partner with the board to continue district initiatives focused on student voice, operational work, staff development, and equitable resource allocation. Key details: - Dr. Dawson currently serves as deputy superintendent of academic services for the School District of Philadelphia and has emphasized improving student and teacher attendance and reducing dropout rates. - His prior roles include Chief Academic and Accountability Officer for Birmingham City Schools and leadership positions in Houston ISD, Duval County Public Schools, Fulton County Schools, and Charter Schools USA; he began his career as a teacher and principal in Atlanta Public Schools. - The board chair expressed support for Dawson’s diverse experience, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott commented that Dawson shares a commitment to supporting students citywide. - Dr. Sonja Santelises led the district since 2016, during which the district opened 30 new schools, developed a principal pipeline, expanded student supports, and reported improvements in attendance and academic measures. - The board said public feedback informed the search process and that Alma Advisory Group assisted in narrowing candidates and defining priorities for the new CEO. Summary: The appointment establishes a leadership transition with Dr. Santelises departing at the end of June and Dr. Dawson assuming the CEO role on July 1, 2026. District leaders say Dawson will work with the board to continue existing strategies around operations, staff development, and equitable resource allocation; specific implementation steps beyond the start date were not detailed.