Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises has stepped into a part-time, somewhat prestigious role while continuing her work as the district's top educator. As reported by Fox Baltimore, Santelises was chosen for the position of superintendent-in-residence at The Broad Center at Yale School of Management. This opportunity will enable her to simultaneously reflect on her notable tenure and usher in a new era of educational leadership across urban landscapes.
In what can be seen as a balance between her commitment to Baltimore and her national educational influence, Santelises will remain deeply entrenched within the system she has led since 2016. The Broad Center role is meant to be part-time and flexible, designed not to conflict with her current commitments strictly. This keeps her grounded in the practical applications of her work while, as WMAR-2 News noted, preparing her to apply this hands-on knowledge in the master's program and fellowship sessions at Yale.
During her tenure, Santelises has been noted for her work to overhaul curricula, pursue sustainable initiatives, and modernize vocational training within the Baltimore City Public Schools. Her efforts to navigate the educational challenges presented by the COVID pandemic have drawn considerable attention and commendation. Dean of Yale’s School of Management, Kerwin K. Charles, lauded these efforts, as per Fox Baltimore, stating, "Sonja has worked tirelessly to craft meaningful curricula, make her district’s facilities more sustainable, modernize vocational training, and respond to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID pandemic."
As Santelises prepares to eventually leave the school system on June 30th, 2026, the search for her replacement is already underway. The expectation is that whoever steps into her shoes will need to not only sustain but also build upon the foundation she has laid.
