A veteran Baltimore city educator has been appointed to serve as a commissioner on the city school board.
Linda M. Chinnia, who served for a total of 38 years in the city school system before stepping down as its chief academic officer in 2007 when former schools CEO Andres Alonso arrived, was jointly appointed by Gov. Martin O'Malley and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Her term begins immediately, according to an announcement from the governor's office.
"I am confident that she possesses the skill and leadership necessary to ensure that every child in Baltimore City receives the high-quality public education they deserve," O'Malley said in a statement.
Rawlings-Blake added that Chinnia was an "outstanding appointment" to the board due to her decades of experience and track record in the city.
According to the announcement, Chinnia -- who will replace a board appointee who resigned last year after it was revealed he had misrepresented his academic credentials -- holds a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Towson University.
She served in several capacities throughout her career in the school system, including classroom teacher, Title I senior teacher, an assistant principal, principal and director of elementary school improvement. She also has experience in educating students with disabilities.
Chinnia is also said to bring expertise in business administration and management.
She currently works at the Delaware-Maryland Synod-Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, where she serves as assistant to the bishop.
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