Sonja Santelises, the Superintendent of Baltimore City Schools, has been recognized for her exceptional leadership in one of the nation's highest-poverty school districts. Her innovative approach and commitment to educational equity have earned her a spot as a finalist for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year Award, following her previous accolade as Maryland Superintendent of the Year.
Since her appointment in 2016, Santelises has demonstrated a clear vision for the school district, according to Alison Perkins-Cohen, the system's chief of staff. Perkins-Cohen emphasized that Santelises holds high standards for the organization and is dedicated to providing the best outcomes for students.
Under her leadership, Baltimore's 76,400 students have made significant strides, achieving the second-largest gains in reading among large urban districts since 2022. The Education Recovery Scorecard indicates that Baltimore is one of only five large urban districts performing better in reading compared to pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, students enrolled in the district's pre-K programs, which are offered in 100 schools, consistently surpass state benchmarks for kindergarten readiness.
During her tenure, Santelises has overseen the construction of 30 new schools, primarily in under-resourced neighborhoods. Robert Salley, chair of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, described her as a “galvanizer,” noting her ability to secure financial resources and collaborate with stakeholders to create innovative school designs.
In her first year, she successfully secured a three-year commitment of $180 million in state and local funding to address historical funding gaps and enhance student support initiatives. Santelises's prior roles, including her experience as chief academic officer in Baltimore and assistant superintendent of Boston Public Schools, have equipped her with a deep understanding of instructional effectiveness and curriculum development.
Despite her impending departure to become the second superintendent-in-residence at The Broad Center at Yale School of Management, Santelises remains focused on advancing key initiatives, including improving math scores. Her proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included implementing a school-based asymptomatic testing program, facilitated a safe return for students and staff.
As she prepares to transition to her new role, her dedication to education and the progress of Baltimore City Schools continues to inspire educators and stakeholders alike.
Reported by HarborBeat based on AASA, The School Superintendents Association (source).
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