WASHINGTON, July 8 – Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, has been named the new chair of the Council of the Great City Schools’ Board of Directors for a one-year term, effective July 1. Santelises has served as the chair-elect since last year and succeeds Marcia Andrews, a school board member from Florida’s School District of Palm Beach County.
The 162-member board is composed of the superintendent and a school board member from each of the 81 big-city school districts represented by the Council, the only national organization exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools.
Santelises has served as the CEO of Baltimore City Schools since 2017, making her the longest-serving superintendent in over 30 years. Under her leadership, the school district, which serves 76,841 students, has achieved a stable budget, significantly improved student literacy and math scores, raised graduation rates, invested in school facilities, increased the number of community schools, and expanded opportunities in fine arts, gifted and advanced learning, and Advanced Placement programs.
Valerie Davis, school board president for California’s Fresno Unified School District, will assume the role of chair-elect. Jill Baker, superintendent of California’s Long Beach Unified School District, will serve as secretary-treasurer, rounding out the leadership team.
“We are excited to welcome Sonja as the new chair of the Board of Directors,” said Council Executive Director Ray Hart. "Her passion and expertise in fostering successful environments for students will be a tremendous asset to our organization. With Sonja at the helm alongside Valerie and Jill, their varied perspectives and experiences will strengthen the Council’s mission of championing urban schools and uplifting inner-city students.”
Watch a video of Sonja Brookins Santelises as the new chair of the Board of Directors.
Credit: Press Release from Council of the Great City Schools