About Dr. Jermaine Dawson

Dr. Jermaine Dawson has been elected to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, beginning July 1, 2026, where he will lead one of the nation’s largest urban school systems, focusing on accelerating student achievement, strengthening operational excellence, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality education.

A nationally recognized K–12 leader, Dr. Dawson brings a proven track record of driving measurable improvements in student outcomes, increasing graduation rates, and reducing dropout rates across diverse school districts. He has been named one of the 100 Top Influencers in Education by DA Leadership and selected to participate in prestigious education summits worldwide.

As CEO, Dr. Dawson partners closely with the Board of School Commissioners to advance strategic priorities centered on elevating student voice, strengthening instructional quality, investing in educator development, and aligning resources to best support students and communities.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Dawson served as Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services for The School District of Philadelphia, where he oversaw curriculum and instruction, student support services, and programs for diverse learners and professional learning. Earlier, he served as the Chief Academic and Accountability Officer for Birmingham City Schools.

His leadership experience also includes senior roles with the Houston Independent School District, Duval County Public Schools, Fulton County Schools, and Charter Schools USA. He began his career in education as a math teacher and later served as a principal in Atlanta Public Schools.

Dr. Dawson’s work has earned national recognition, including a House Resolution from the Georgia State House of Representatives. He has collaborated with leaders such as former President Jimmy Carter and has been featured on NBC National News with Tom Brokaw, as well as in publications including The New York Times and Forbes.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Morehouse College, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University, a master's degree in mathematics education from Nova Southeastern University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Northcentral University.