San Francisco Unified School District has selected Maria Su as superintendent, succeeding Matt Wayne, who led the 49,560-student school system since 2022.

Su previously served for 15 years as executive director of the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, which funds programs for San Francisco’s youth and their families.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Su to serve as SFUSD’s new superintendent,” Board President Matt Alexander said in a news statement. “Her deep expertise leading teams and running a large government agency is exactly what we need to stabilize our school district.”

Cincinnati Public Schools recently appointed Shauna Murphy as the district’s permanent superintendent. She has served as interim superintendent of the 35,000-student school system since May.

Before becoming the interim leader, Murphy was the district’s chief of student, family and community engagement, where she strengthened relationships with community partners, expanded parent organizations, and advanced career and technical education pathways in every high school.

“It is a privilege to serve as superintendent and to collaborate with our committed educators, staff and community,” Murphy said in a press release. “Together, we will remain focused on fostering academic success by creating a supportive environment that uplifts our educators and motivates our students to reach their highest potential.”

Contract Extension in Baltimore

Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, was recently given a second one-year contract extension to lead the 75,811-student school district through June 2026. 

Santelises has served as CEO since 2017, making her the longest-serving CEO in the district since 1946.   

In a news statement, Santelises said her desire, focus, and drive remain to ensure every Baltimore City student graduates prepared for higher education and a family-sustaining career. “Much has been accomplished during the last eight years, but more successes are ahead. I am pleased that the Board shares my desire to see that work through,” said Santelises. “All along, I have been focused on doing what is right for children and families.” 

Under Santelises’ leadership, literacy and math scores increased, 27 school facilities have been renovated, graduation rates have increased, and offerings have expanded in fine arts, gifted and advanced learning, and Academic Placement programs. 

Santelises is currently the Chair-Elect of the Council of the Great City Schools.

Interim in New Orleans

Fateama Fulmore was recently named the interim superintendent for NOLA Public Schools. Currently the district’s deputy superintendent, Fulmore will succeed Avis Williams, who stepped down from leading the district after two years.

Fulmore began her career as a middle school career and technical education teacher in North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and was chief officer for strategy, schools, accountability, and school improvement for Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska's largest school district.

She is a 2024 graduate of the Council of the Great City Schools’ Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents, which trains current and aspiring superintendents to successfully lead large urban school systems.