Baltimore City Schools Seeks New CEO for First Time in a Decade

The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners has announced a job opening for a new chief executive officer (CEO) for the public school system, marking the first time in ten years that the position will be filled. This search comes as current CEO Sonja Santelises prepares to conclude her tenure, which has made her the longest-serving leader of the City Schools in eight decades.

The job listing was developed following extensive community engagement, including surveys, focus groups, and public forums where stakeholders such as students, parents, and educators voiced their expectations for the next leader. Board Chair Robert Salley emphasized the importance of finding someone who can build on the district's recent academic successes and foster a positive environment for students and staff.

Assisted by the Chicago-based Alma Advisory Group, the board is conducting a national search for Santelises’s successor, who is expected to take office on July 1, 2026. Santelises will transition to a new role at The Broad Center at Yale University, where she will contribute to educational leadership initiatives.

The new CEO will oversee a substantial operating budget of $1.7 billion and will be responsible for the education of over 76,000 students, supported by approximately 12,000 staff members. The salary for the position ranges from $315,000 to $375,000.

Applicants should possess at least ten years of progressive leadership experience in K-12 education, with a strong preference for those who have worked in urban school districts. The board is looking for a candidate who is not only a visionary leader but also an effective communicator and collaborator, as well as someone who can foster a positive school culture.

In addition to the qualifications, the community feedback highlighted a desire for a leader who would enhance family engagement, support multilingual learners, and improve literacy and social-emotional learning programs. Salley noted that the insights gathered reflect a community ready to advance educational opportunities for all students.

The recruitment process is set to continue through the end of the year, with the board planning to interview candidates in early 2024. The final selection and contract negotiations are expected to be completed by April, followed by an induction ceremony for the new CEO.

Reported by HarborBeat based on Baltimore Fishbowl (source).