Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is pleased to announce that the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (Board) has created a job description to officially begin recruiting the district’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is now accepting applications. The Board spent Phase 1 of the CEO search engaging the community as part of its commitment to seeking input through a transparent process. The job posting was posted today and can be found here.
The Board, in partnership with Alma Advisory Group (Alma), leveraged input from key stakeholders, including students, families, community members, staff, elected officials, and school administrators. This data helped develop the set of desired CEO traits, experiences, and priorities that comprise the candidate profile. This input from more than 4,200 touchpoints (surveys, gatherings, focus groups, 1:1 interviews, virtual meetings, and the Mayor’s Town Hall) with stakeholders across the city helps guide the search. It ensures the community’s voice is meaningfully woven into each phase.
“The goal of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners is to recruit, screen, and select the best candidate to serve as the next CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools,” said Board Chair Robert Salley. “It’s our stated purpose to mitigate bias at every step and lead a transparent CEO search process guided by the input of the City Schools community, reflect Board policy, and abide by State legislation. We will continue to inform the community through ongoing updates during this entire process.”
Key Findings
The full report will be shared at the Board meeting on November 4 and on the City Schools website shortly thereafter.
Across all community conversations, one theme was clear: there is a deep commitment to the success and well-being of every student in City Schools. Stakeholders expressed strong appreciation for the teachers, staff, and leaders who go above and beyond to provide academic support, mentorship, and care to the students they serve. This shared that the sense of purpose and dedication are one of the District’s greatest strengths.
Participants also celebrated the collaborative partnerships among schools, families, and community organizations. Public and private partnerships have helped expand innovative programs, improve facilities, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Active family engagement through PTA structures and community schools continues to strengthen advocacy, trust, and connections across neighborhoods.
Students have benefited from a range of academic opportunities, including career pathways, dual enrollment, and CTE offerings. Recent efforts in literacy and social-emotional learning are beginning to yield promising results, reflecting a continued focus on supporting the whole child. Stakeholders acknowledged the District’s visible commitment to equity and advocacy for multilingual learners, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and immigrant families.
“All of these insights reflect a community that cares deeply about its students and schools and is ready to move forward, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive,” said Chair Salley.
Next Steps:
November & December – Sourcing and recruiting candidates that align with the profile will begin immediately after the job posting. Interviews are based on performance and competency.
January & February – Finalist rounds will include opportunities to engage fully with Board members.
March & April – Finalize interviews, finalize the contract with the selected candidate, begin the transition process, and plan the induction ceremony.
July 1, 2026 – The new CEO is slated to begin.
Background
The search for City Schools’ next CEO marks an essential moment in the district’s history. Current CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, with 10 years as CEO by the end of her contract, is the longest-serving City Schools CEO in nearly 80 years. Her successor will officially start on July 1, 2026.
“The Board of School Commissioners is focused on finding a leader who will build on the district’s positive momentum and gains in academics, student wholeness, and leadership,” said Chair Salley. “It’s important that we select a leader with the vision and skill to accelerate the upward trajectory of students, staff, and schools.”
Profile Responsibilities & Competencies
After collecting all of the community input and through internal discussions, the Board is proud to share the desired traits for the next CEO of City Schools:
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Academic Achievement and Student Success
Talent Management and Culture Development
Community and Family Engagement
Operational and Financial Stewardship
External Relations and Advocacy
Skills and Experiences
Visionary and Strategic Leader
Effective Communicator and Collaborator
Instructional and Operational Steward
Equity-Driven and Culturally Responsive Advocate
Culture Builder and Emotionally Intelligent Leader
Innovative, Data-Informed Decision Maker
For general questions or information regarding the CEO Search and timeline, please email the CEO Search team or visit our CEO Search webpage.