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Modesto board confirms Dr. Vanessa Betrao Galvis as next superintendent; employment agreement approved
Summary
The Modesto City Schools board announced the appointment of Dr. Vanessa Betrao Galvis as superintendent effective July 1, 2025, and approved a three‑year employment agreement that includes a $300,000 base salary and standard administrative benefits. The selection drew both support and concerns from labor leaders about transition planning.
The Modesto City Schools Board of Trustees confirmed Dr. Vanessa Betrao Galvis as the district's next superintendent, and approved the associated employment agreement in open session on May 12, 2025.
Board President Mestas reported that the board had appointed Dr. Galvis during closed session and later moved to approve the public employment agreement. Mr. Henderson read the required disclosure summarizing the contract: a three‑year term running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028; a 222‑work‑day year with up to 20 vacation days; an annual base salary of $300,000; eligibility for degree and professional development stipends; district health and welfare benefits consistent with other administrators; and district‑paid memberships in up to three professional organizations.
Dr. Vanessa Betrao Galvis thanked the board and community, noting her background as a Latina, an English learner and a product of Modesto City Schools, and said she would focus on literacy, critical thinking, intentional instruction, and community partnerships. “I stand here proud to be able to serve in community, in community, and for our community,” she said.
Labor leaders and trustees both addressed the appointment during public comment and board discussion. Fawn Peterson, president of CSEA Chapter 007, expressed appreciation for the hiring process but urged the board to provide mentorship and supports given the scope of Modesto’s roughly 30,000‑student district, its 3,200 employees, and a near‑half‑billion dollar budget. She asked for transparency about the transition plan and how classified staff would be supported.
Trustee Brown said the board’s deliberations were difficult and emphasized that, despite earlier dissent within the board, members would move forward united in supporting the superintendent. In open session the board voted to approve the employment agreement (motion by Trustee Daly, second by Trustee Lopez); President Mestas recorded the vote as unanimous.
What happens next: the employment agreement takes effect July 1, 2025. The board and district staff indicated they plan transition activities, site visits and community outreach; CSEA requested further detail on mentorship and supports for the transition.
