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Dr. Vanessa Buitrago serves as Superintendent of Modesto City Schools, a role that represents both a professional milestone and a meaningful return to her roots. A proud graduate of Modesto High School and former student of Roosevelt Junior High and Elihu Beard Elementary, she holds a deep connection to the community she now leads.

Born in Colombia, Dr. Buitrago immigrated to the United States at the age of five and began school as an English language learner. Her personal journey instilled a deep belief in the transformative power of education. This belief has guided her career as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and most recently, as a network deputy superintendent in the Oakland Unified School District.

Dr. Buitrago’s leadership is grounded in a clear theory of action: student outcomes improve when schools invest in people, commit to collective action, and partner with families and communities around shared goals. She is focused on continuing the district’s progress by supporting safe and welcoming schools, elevating staff through professional development, strengthening recruitment and retention, and ensuring long-term fiscal and operational stability. At the heart of her work is a commitment to creating school environments where every student is seen, supported, and inspired every day.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Buitrago earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Sacramento. She also holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of the Pacific, a Master of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Southern California. In addition, she earned a Certificate in Statistical, Social, and Economic research from the University of Ghana.

With a leadership style marked by intentionality, transparency, and care for community, Dr. Buitrago is proud to serve the district that helped shape her, and excited to partner with students, families, staff, and the broader community to build a brighter future together.