Baltimore, MD - Apr. 20, 2026 – Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (Board) today announced the unanimous selection of Dr. Jermaine Dawson to serve as the district’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools), effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Dawson is an accomplished K-12 leader who currently serves as the deputy superintendent of academic services at the School District of Philadelphia. He succeeds Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, who will step down at the end of June after a decade at the helm.

“The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners is thrilled to collaborate with an accomplished educational leader as Dr. Jermaine Dawson,” said Board Chair Robert Salley. “His diverse leadership roles throughout his career will be a tremendous asset, as he helps propel our district by pushing students toward success while advocating for the district’s needs. At the same time, it’s important that we recognize the achievements from our outstanding 10-year partnership with Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises.”

“Dr. Dawson shares my commitment to giving every single young person in our city the support and resources they need to reach their full potential,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Under the leadership of Dr. Santelises, we have made historic progress: building new, 21st century schools, improving attendance, and expanding opportunity for our students. I am confident that Dr. Dawson has the experience and values to lead us into this next chapter, and look forward to working with him to shape the future of Baltimore City Public Schools.”

Dr. Dawson has held key leadership positions in education across multiple states, with a track record of improving student outcomes, increasing graduation rates, and reducing dropout rates. His work has been recognized in publications such as the New York Times and Forbes, has been named one of the 100 Top Influencers in Education by DA Leadership, and has been selected to participate in prestigious education summits worldwide. He will support districtwide efforts to propel City Schools’ high-performing and caring learning culture. 

The Board commissioned an executive search group to engage with key stakeholders, including students, families, community members, staff, elected officials, and school administrators, to gather input on issues affecting the area. The Community Engagement Report helped shape the decision on choosing the district’s new CEO.  

Dr. Dawson will focus on collaborating with the Board to implement and build upon strategies and initiatives for the district, including valuing student perspectives, pursuing operational excellence, communicating clearly and transparently, elevating staff expertise, and allocating resources equitably.

“I am honored to lead City Schools at such a pivotal moment,” said Dr. Dawson. “Together with our students, educators, families, and community, we will build on the district’s strong foundation and accelerate progress to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. I look forward to partnering with the Board and our community to make Baltimore City Public Schools one of the top urban school districts in the country.”

In his role at the School District of Philadelphia, Dr. Dawson focused on improving student and teacher attendance and dropout rates. Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Academic and Accountability Officer for Birmingham City Schools. Other roles during his career include senior leadership roles at the Houston Independent School District, Duval County Public Schools, Fulton County Schools, and Charter Schools USA. He is a former elementary and middle school math teacher and served as an elementary and middle school principal in Atlanta Public Schools.

Dr. Dawson holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Northcentral University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University, a master’s degree in mathematics education from Nova Southeastern University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Morehouse College.

“It has been my pleasure to serve Baltimore City Public Schools for the past 10 years,” said Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises. “I am confident Dr. Dawson will continue to move the district forward and expand opportunities for our students.”

The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners establishes and approves the policies that govern Baltimore City Public Schools. The Board consists of 12 members: nine members appointed by the Mayor of Baltimore City, two members elected in a citywide election by the residents of Baltimore City, and one elected student commissioner elected by fellow middle and high school students.