The Broad Center Announces 2025-26 Cohort of the Fellowship for Public Education Leadership
The Broad Center is happy to welcome the following TBF attendees for the 2025-2026 fellowship cohort.
The Fellowship for Public Education Leadership is an executive leadership program run by The Broad Center at Yale SOM for senior-level public education leaders from across the country who are dedicated to strengthening public school systems and the communities they serve.
Starting this fall, the 17 fellows selected for the 2025-2026 cohort will gather in New Haven for weeklong modules at Yale SOM designed to strengthen their leadership capacity and exposure them to knowledge gained from management research that can be applied to the public school systems in which they work. The program also places an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning within the cohort and with leading practitioners in the field. Fellows leverage these learnings as they drive transformative work happening in urban school districts, charter networks, and state education agencies that advances equity and excellence for all students.
Meet the 2025-2026 Fellows
Biographies provided by fellows.
Raymond Barnes
Chief of Schools, Savannah Chatham County Public School System
Raymond Barnes serves as the Chief of Schools for Savannah Chatham County Public School System, where he oversees the day-to-day operations and leadership of schools throughout the district. His educational philosophy centers on continuous improvement, with a mission to ensure that everyone involved in a student's educational journey commits to getting at least 1% better in their practice every day. Through this incremental approach to excellence, Raymond focuses on creating sustainable growth and meaningful impact for students, educators, and the broader school community.
Peng Chao
Chief of Charter Schools, School District of Philadelphia
Peng Chao is the Chief of Charter Schools for the School District of Philadelphia and provides oversight and support for a sector of 81 charter schools that collectively serve over 60,000 students. Peng has dedicated over 15 years of his career to a core belief in education as the key to unlocking dreams and cultivating liberation.
Ra'Chel Ford
Interim Chief Executive Officer, KIPP Atlanta Schools
Ra’Chel Ford is the Interim Chief Executive Officer of KIPP Atlanta Schools, where she has served in senior leadership roles since 2014, including Deputy CEO, COO, Managing Director of Operations, and Founding Director of Campus Operations. A Broad Center alumna, Ra’Chel transitioned to public education in 2012 after a 15-year career in financial services, serving as Chief of Staff for District Support at the Tennessee Department of Education. She believes every child holds innate genius—and that unlocking it begins with nurturing a lifelong love of reading.
Anthony T. Mays
Superintendent, Alief Independent School District
Anthony Mays is the Superintendent of Alief Independent School District, a school district serving nearly 40,000 students, where 109 different languages and dialects are spoken. I am deeply committed to creating educational opportunities that help close socioeconomic gaps for all students in Alief ISD.
Geoffrey T. Sanderson
Chief of Accountability, Maryland State Department of Education
Geoff Sanderson is the chief of accountability for the Maryland State Department of Education. In this role, he oversees the divisions of assessment and accountability, educator effectiveness, rehabilitation services, and student support and federal programs. Geoff began his service to public education as a school psychologist and believes all students deserve adult advocacy.
Lynette Washington
Chief Operating Officer, Baltimore City Public Schools
Lynette Washington is the chief operating officer of the Baltimore City Public Schools. As COO, Lynette oversees the Operation functions of the school system, including: facility design, construction and maintenance; geographic analyses and planning; transportation; sustainability; and, school safety. Lynette is resolute in her belief that operational excellence and innovation in urban education is possible with intentional focus on: investing in leaders and people, dismantling inequalities in resource allocation, and outcome based strategies.
Nancy Bernadino
Associate Superintendent, Region V Schools in the Dallas Independent School District
Nancy Bernardino is the Associate Superintendent of Region V Schools in the Dallas Independent School District, the 2nd largest school district in Texas. As Associate Superintendent, Bernardino oversees 34 schools in four PK-12 vertical teams, serving approximately 25,000 students within her region of schools. Nancy is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to opportunities and experiences by fostering strong academic, social emotional, and civic development.
Djeneba (DJ) Cherif
Chief Academic Officer, University Prep Schools
Djeneba (DJ) Cherif is the Chief Academic Officer at University Prep Schools, the largest K–12 charter network in Detroit, Michigan. She is responsible for setting the academic vision and leading strategy across the network. Her work centers on driving innovation, advancing equity, and improving student outcomes at scale. Through her leadership, UPrep is building systems that support rigorous, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments.
Machion L. Jackson
Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Detroit Public Schools Community District
Machion L. Jackson is the Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Detroit Public Schools Community District, overseeing technology, facilities, nutrition, transportation, real estate, and capital improvements. With over 20 years in education as a teacher, principal and now in her current role, she has led major district-wide initiatives—completing over 300 capital projects, solving the district’s water crisis, reactivating schools, and guiding a $700M Facilities Master Plan that includes building new schools without additional taxpayer cost. A proud native-Detroiter and committed equity advocate, she serves on several boards focused on student success and community development.
Kondra T. Rattley
Deputy Superintendent, Hartford Public Schools
Dr. Kondra Rattley is the Deputy Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools, one of Connecticut’s largest school districts, serving students from nearly 70 towns. In this role, she oversees teaching and learning, school leadership, student support services, strategic partnerships, and talent management. Dr. Rattley’s student-centered, community-focused leadership is aimed at advancing equitable outcomes through systems of sustained improvement and strategic resource maximization.
Andrew Strope
Deputy Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools
Andrew Strope brings a unique blend of private sector experience and educational leadership to his role as Deputy Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools. A former Ernst & Young consultant and Teach For America corps member, he has led instructional teams and driven student achievement in Chicago classrooms. A graduate of the Broad Residency and CGCS Executive Leadership Institute, he now applies his expertise to advancing equity and excellence in public education, while also serving on the boards of Teach For America – Indianapolis and Enroll Indy.
Chuck Carpenter
Chief Financial Officer, Denver Public Schools
Chuck is the chief financial officer of the Denver Public Schools. As CFO, Chuck oversees a $2.5B budget, all financial services, real estate planning, and choice/enrollment. Chuck taught elementary school for 2 years and is deeply committed to an excellent and equitable education for all students. This includes access to rigorous academic coursework and meaningful extra-curricular activities. Chuck is a proud DPS parent and lives in Denver, CO, with his wife and three children.
Selena Florence
Chief Academic Officer, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Selena Florence is the Chief Academic Officer for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the second largest school district in Ohio. As CAO, Selena oversees the Divisions of Schools, Teaching and Learning, and Student Services. Selena strives to ensure that all students receive high-quality instruction each day and that all students have access to equitable learning experiences across all schools.
Shana Spriggs Loring
Assistant Superintendent for High School Transformation & Post Secondary Readiness, Little Rock School District
Dr. Shay Loring is the assistant superintendent for High School Transformation & Post Secondary Readiness in the Little Rock School District in Little Rock, Arkansas. As assistant superintendent, Dr. Loring supports all district high schools, alternative learning and student support divisions, and student registration. A passionate change leader, she is committed to empowering historically marginalized students through academic achievement and civic engagement.
Enrique Ruacho
Chief of Staff, San Diego Unified School District
Enrique Ruacho is the Chief of Staff for San Diego Unified School District, California’s second-largest public school system. In this role, Enrique leads strategy and execution across Cabinet priorities, Board relations, and systemwide initiatives impacting nearly 100,000 students. He is deeply committed to educational equity, fiscal stewardship, and improving academic and life outcomes for students from historically underserved communities.
Tresha Ward
Chief Executive Officer, Prospect Schools
Tresha has been the CEO of Prospect Schools since 2021. In this role she oversees a K-12 network charter schools serving ~3,000 students. She brings to the work more than two decades of experience in education and a career underscored by an unwavering commitment to educational equity.
Tommy Welch
Regional School Superintendent, Boston Public Schools
Dr. Tommy Welch, a 26-year public education leader in Boston and Los Angeles, currently serves as regional school superintendent for Boston’s Region 1, supporting 15 schools across Charlestown, East Boston, and North End. A visionary instructional leader and coalition-builder, he is committed to equity, excellence, and improving student outcomes, with Region 1 schools earning honors such as multiple EdVestors School on the Move Awards and a 2024 ESEA National Distinguished School Award. He holds a master's from UCLA and a doctorate from Boston College, and lives in East Boston with his wife and two children.
