Dr. Carey Wright State Superintendent | Maryland Department Of Education
Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, the Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, has been selected as the 2026 Maryland Superintendent of the Year by the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM).
Dr. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, praised Dr. Santelises’s leadership, stating, “Dr. Santelises exemplifies the bold, visionary leadership that drives real change for students. Her deep commitment to equity with a strategic focus on student achievement make Dr. Santelises an extraordinary leader.”
Dr. Joshua L. Michael, President of the State Board of Education, also commended her contributions: “Dr. Santelises is both a fierce advocate for children and a preeminent instructional leader. Having directly benefited from her leadership as an educator and now as a parent in Baltimore City, I know firsthand the impact of her leadership over the past decade. This recognition as Superintendent of the Year is a powerful affirmation of her service and legacy.”
Since becoming CEO in 2016, Dr. Santelises has prioritized providing all students with access to high-quality education aimed at preparing them for college and careers. Under her guidance, Baltimore City Public Schools have expanded advanced coursework opportunities and developed stronger community partnerships while implementing new strategies to support student achievement.
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