New Superintendent
Baltimore City Public Schools — Dr. Jermaine Dawson
📚🧐
Baltimore City Public Schools — Dr. Jermaine Dawson 📚🧐
Dr. Jermaine Dawson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, beginning July 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises as Baltimore City Public Schools. Dawson is a nationally recognized K–12 leader with extensive experience in academic leadership, currently serving as Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services for the School District of Philadelphia Baltimore City Public Schools.
Background and Experience
Dawson’s career spans multiple states, including roles in Birmingham City Schools, Houston Independent School District, Duval County Public Schools, and Charter Schools USA. He began as a math teacher and later served as a principal in Atlanta Public Schools City of Baltimore. His work has been recognized in The New York Times and Forbes, named one of the 100 Top Influencers in Education by DA Leadership, and featured on NBC National News City of Baltimore.
First 100 Days Plan
Dawson’s initial three months are structured into three phases CBS News:
Days 1–30: Listening tour and direct engagement with students, families, educators, and community leaders.
Days 31–60: Discovery Phase with an independent transition team to analyze data and priorities.
Days 61–100: Delivery Phase, acting on immediate improvements while preparing long-term strategic recommendations.
He will also launch a new customer service platform (Onflow) for students, staff, and families to submit questions and concerns to CBS News.
Community Engagement
A six-stop listening tour is planned, including stops at Forest Park High School, Morgan State University, Bay-Brook Elementary/Middle School, Wildwood Elementary/Middle School, John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle School, and Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School WBAL NewsRadio 1090/FM 101.5.
Leadership Team
Dawson has appointed:
Noell West – Chief of Staff, overseeing government affairs and continuous improvement.
Tina Hike-Hubbard – Chief of Communications, Engagement, and Enrollment, expanding philanthropic partnerships.
Brittany Blackwell – Special Assistant to the CEO, coordinating academic, college-readiness, and customer-service initiatives Baltimore City Public Schools.
Priorities
Dawson’s focus areas include:
Improving student achievement, especially in literacy and math.
Strengthening public trust in district operations.
Ensuring every student is career-ready, future-ready, and world-ready Baltimore City Public Schools.
He takes over a district with recent academic gains but still facing challenges such as chronic absenteeism, infrastructure needs, and maintaining high public trust
