Bianca Gillis

Bianca C. Gillis has served as Principal of Charles C. A. Baldi Middle School since 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience in education within the School District of Philadelphia. As a dedicated instructional leader, Principal Gillis is committed to cultivating a school environment where academic excellence, cultural inclusivity, and student wellness are at the forefront.

Under her leadership, Baldi Middle School has demonstrated sustained and measurable academic growth. The school earned Accelerate Philly recognition for high proficiency in both reading and math for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024, and 2025. For the past six years, 85–88% of students have scored proficient or advanced on the Algebra I Keystone Exam, reflecting strong instructional alignment and student mastery in mathematics. Attendance outcomes have also remained strong, with approximately 85% of students attending school 90% or more days annually over the past five years.

During the 2025–2026 school year, Baldi met all district performance goals, with 59.6% of students in grades 6–8 scoring proficient or advanced on the ELA PSSA, 42.0% scoring proficient or advanced on the Math PSSA, 85.1% of students attending school 90% or more of instructional days, 95.9% of students having zero out-of-school suspensions, 94.3% of teachers maintaining 90% or higher attendance rates, and a 0% dropout rate among students in grades 7–8.

In 2023, Principal Gillis expanded opportunities for students by introducing Career and Technical Education programming at the middle school level, including Construction, Film and Media Production, Graphic Design, and a Robotics elective, providing students with early exposure to career pathways and hands-on, industry-relevant learning experiences.

Prior to becoming Principal of Baldi Middle School, Principal Gillis served as a Principal Resident at Girard Academic Music Program and Northeast High School through the Office of Leadership Development. Before that, she was an Assistant Principal at Central High School and Julia de Burgos Elementary School. Earlier in her career, from 2005 to 2020, Principal Gillis served as an educator and instructional leader across multiple schools, including William Hunter K–8, Alexander Adaire Elementary School, John Paul Jones Middle School, Mayfair Elementary School, Dimner Beeber Middle School, and Julia R. Masterman School. During this time, she held a variety of roles, including sixth-grade math and science teacher, K–8 technology instructor, Dean of Students, PBIS coordinator, Instructional Coach, Mentor Teacher, and Track Coach.

Principal Gillis grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she attended James Rhoads Elementary, Dimner Beeber Middle and Overbrook High School.