BALTIMORE, MD (WBFF) — Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises has been named one of four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year award, following her recent recognition as Maryland Superintendent of the Year. The national honor is presented by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
Santelises has led City Schools since 2016, overseeing academic, facilities and programmatic changes during her tenure. The district credits her leadership with improvements in student literacy, expanded access to advanced coursework, strengthened arts programming and major school construction projects aimed at addressing long-standing inequities.
“Being chosen by my peers for this recognition is both humbling and inspiring,” Santelises said in a statement. “It reflects the collective work of our students, educators, families, and community partners who believe in what is possible for Baltimore’s young people. This honor belongs to them as much as it does to me.”…