A Philadelphia school district leader will be the next CEO of the Baltimore City Public Schools System.
The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners on Monday announced they have unanimously selected Dr. Jermaine Dawson to lead Baltimore City Public Schools, effective July 1, 2026.
Dawson is currently the deputy superintendent of academic services at the School District of Philadelphia. He will succeed Baltimore’s current superintendent, Dr. Sonja Brookins, who is stepping down from her role at the end of June after a decade in the top spot.
“The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners is thrilled to collaborate with an accomplished educational leader as Dr. Jermaine Dawson,” Board Chair Robert Salley said in a statement. “His diverse leadership roles throughout his career will be a tremendous asset, as he helps propel our district by pushing students toward success while advocating for the district’s needs. At the same time, it’s important that we recognize the achievements from our outstanding 10-year partnership with Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises.”
Dawson will manage a school district of more than 76,000 students and over 11,000 staff members. The school board is scheduled to vote May 5 on the district’s proposed $1.9 billion budget for the 2026-27 school year, which Dawson will also oversee.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott applauded the selection of Dawson to steer the city’s public school system.
“Dr. Dawson shares my commitment to giving every single young person in our city the support and resources they need to reach their full potential,” Scott said in a statement. “Under the leadership of Dr. Santelises, we have made historic progress: building new, 21st century schools, improving attendance, and expanding opportunity for our students. I am confident that Dr. Dawson has the experience and values to lead us into this next chapter, and look forward to working with him to shape the future of Baltimore City Public Schools.”
As a deputy superintendent in Philadelphia, Dawson helped improve student and teacher attendance and dropout rates.
“I am honored to lead City Schools at such a pivotal moment,” Dawson said in a statement. “Together with our students, educators, families, and community, we will build on the district’s strong foundation and accelerate progress to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. I look forward to partnering with the Board and our community to make Baltimore City Public Schools one of the top urban school districts in the country.”
Before working in Philadelphia, Dawson was the Chief Academic and Accountability Officer for Birmingham City Schools. He also previously served in leadership roles within the Houston Independent School District, Duval County Public Schools, Fulton County Schools, and Charter Schools USA; and worked as an elementary and middle school math teacher and an elementary and middle school principal in Atlanta Public Schools.
The New York Times and Forbes have recognized Dawson for his work in education. The District Administration Leadership Institute also named Dawson as one of their 100 Top Influencers in Education.
Santelises reflected fondly on her time with City Schools and praised Dawson as her soon-to-be successor.
“It has been my pleasure to serve Baltimore City Public Schools for the past 10 years,” Santelises said in a statement. “I am confident Dr. Dawson will continue to move the district forward and expand opportunities for our students.”
Dawson earned a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Northcentral University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University, a master’s degree in mathematics education from Nova Southeastern University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Morehouse College.
The school board selected Dawson to lead City Schools after a search process that included input from students, families, community members, staff, elected officials, school administrators, and other stakeholders. The Community Engagement Report, informed by that public feedback, helped shape how the board chose the district’s new CEO.
