Modesto school board appoints new superintendent amid some experience concerns
The Modesto City Schools Board of Education voted 5-2 to appoint Modesto High graduate Vanessa Buitrago as the district’s next superintendent during Monday night’s board meeting.
The board also later unanimously approved Buitrago’s employment contract, which includes an annual base salary of $300,000.
Buitrago will succeed current Superintendent Sara Noguchi, who announced her retirement in January. Buitrago is expected to assume the role July 1, with her contract running through 2028.
“Tonight, I am proud to stand here before you as a Latina, an English learner, a first-generation college student and a product of Modesto City Schools,” Buitrago said at the meeting. “I believe that students benefit when they recognize themselves in their leaders. However, our students will not thrive because of my background, and they will not thrive because of who I am. They will thrive when they learn who they are.”
The board partnered with Leadership Associates, an employment agency, to support the superintendent search. They conducted surveys, held meetings and organized community events with educational partners, in addition to reviewing data. Following Buitrago’s selection as a finalist, the board visited her in Oakland and held another visitation meeting in Modesto to gather feedback.
“She seems very transparent, very outgoing,” said Gloria Ortiz de Alva, communication officer for the California School Employees Association and translator at Enoch High School, during public comment.
Board Trustees John Irvin and Chad Brown, who dissented, addressed their votes but expressed support for Buitrago as they begin working together.
“Even though my vote was in a different direction, my vote now is to move forward in strength and supporting one another and becoming the best Modesto City Schools not only has been, but can become, and that comes with the united team,” Brown said.
Buitrago currently serves as the network deputy superintendent for Oakland Unified School District. Before that, she was an instructional assistant superintendent and principal of the School of Engineering and Sciences in Sacramento City Unified School District. She has also served as a special education supervisor, teacher and university instructor.
Buitrago’s experience was called into question at and before the meeting.
Fawn Peterson, chapter president of the CSEA, brought up that Buitrago’s new position would be a significant leap from her current position, which is “several levels removed from superintendent-level responsibilities in her district to leading the 18th-largest school district in California.”
She said a position like Modesto’s typically benefits from extensive cabinet-level experience, direct engagement with labor groups and broad, districtwide leadership. Still, she acknowledged that fresh perspectives can be valuable and expressed hope that the board will have plans in place to offer mentorship and support as Buitrago transitions into the role.
“I can see the gap. I’m sure everybody else can see the gap. I just want to be able to move forward with a plan to ensure success and not failure,” Peterson said.
At the April school board meeting, Peterson questioned why the board denied her request for CSEA to have a representative on the superintendent interview panel. The union’s current contract allows CSEA to appoint a bargaining unit member to serve on management interview panels, but participation in superintendent interviews requires board approval.
“I think it’s critical that your labor partners have a say in who you choose because we work with them every day,” Peterson said at that meeting.
Almost two weeks ago, an anonymous Modesto City Schools employee had sent an email to the board questioning Buitrago’s lack of executive-level experience and ability to serve a school district of more than 30,000 students.
The employee questioned whether her selection was based more on identity than merit and warned that the district risks undoing recent progress under Noguchi. In a follow-up email, the employee asked the board if there was an error in the screening process conducted by the consulting group.
“The perception among district staff and the greater community is growing: that Dr. Buitrago was selected not because of what she has accomplished in her educational journey, but because of where she is from and what she represents. If true, that would be a reckless and deeply irresponsible basis for choosing a superintendent,” reads the email.
This story was originally published May 13, 2025 at 7:45 AM.
