He has chaired or served on numerous boards and commissions, including chairing the Governor's Commission on School Performance which was appointed in 1987 and laid the foundation for Maryland's nationally recognized school reform effort the past 10 years. Mr. Sondheim, along with State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick, was recently recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal and Arthur Andersen as one of the top 25 most influential people in Greater Baltimore. Dr. Andrews, formerly superintendent of schools in Montgomery County and later special deputy superintendent for Baltimore City Public Schools, was appointed to the state board in 1992 and reappointed in 1996. He is a visiting professor in education policy, planning, and administration at the University of Maryland and has been a consultant to several local school systems and Maryland education organizations. The Maryland State Board of Education is a 12-member body appointed by the governor.
Members serve four-year staggered terms.
A student member serves a one-year term. The election of officers is held annually at the first board meeting in July.