New CEO Appointed To Lead Baltimore City Public Schools

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new CEO has been appointed to lead Baltimore City Public Schools.

The City Board of School Commissioners on Tuesday named Dr. Sonja B. Santelises chief executive officer.

Santelises is currently vice president for K-12 policy and practice at The Education Trust, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit focused on closing the achievement gap.

She was previously the chief academic officer of Baltimore City Public Schools from 2010 to 2013.

"We believe Dr. Santelises is the person to lead Baltimore City Schools for the next 10 years," said Marnell Cooper, Chairman of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. "The board recognizes that the work Dr. Santelises performed as Chief Academic Officer in Baltimore set us in a direction where the students were improving. We believe her most recent experience at The Education Trust in Washington has given her an even broader perspective and will result in greater academic achievement in Baltimore City."

Dr. Santelises lives in Baltimore with her husband and three daughters.

"Education can unlock the hidden and overlooked talent residing in every neighborhood in Baltimore City," Santelises said. "When I drive in West Baltimore I see future lawyers, doctors, teachers, artists, nurses and business owners. If we can change direction in Baltimore schools, then it shows that education can be a positive force rather than an impediment to empowering young people and the community. I have always believed that education is a powerful lever."

Santelises will start July 1, 2016. She replaces Dr. Gregory Thornton, who departs as CEO this week.

Tammy Turner will act as interim CEO through June 30.