Superintendent's Cabinet
Victoria Brunn
Chief Business and Information Officer
Victoria Brunn is a dynamic and inspiring leader who is known for her unwavering commitment to equity, student success, and transformative education. As an immigrant from Ukraine, her journey has deeply shaped her passion for creating opportunities for all students, particularly those from underserved populations and English language learners. Victoria’s personal story is a powerful reminder of education’s ability to change lives, a principle that fuels her daily work.
Victoria’s career path is as unique as it is inspiring. She began her professional life in the fast-paced world of marketing and merchandising, holding leadership roles at international firms, including Cosmair Cosmetics, the parent company of Lancôme and L’Oréal. After relocating to California, Victoria’s career took an unexpected turn when she discovered a job posting for an ROP fashion merchandising teacher at the district office. With her background in fashion and a bachelor’s degree, she was hired remotely while living on the East Coast, marking the beginning of her journey in education.
Victoria taught high school juniors and seniors for over a decade, helping guide them toward their futures. Reflecting on her transition into education, she shares, “Helping students find their path forward was a great passion for me.”
Her leadership has since driven some of the district’s most impactful initiatives. She spearheaded the installation of a 4.5 MW solar energy system, creating a sustainability program that continues to benefit the district. She also assisted the district’s transition to one-on-one student devices, a visionary project that ensured a seamless shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Victoria played a key role in integrating financial transparency into the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).
At the heart of Victoria’s work is a simple guiding principle: “If it’s not good for kids, we’re not doing it.” She believes every decision should empower students, teachers, and staff to create an inclusive environment where all learners feel safe, seen, and supported. “I always think about the student who isn’t seen in the back of the room,” she says. “What can we do to give them a front-row seat to their future?”
As a former English learner herself, Victoria understands the challenges faced by immigrant and multilingual students. Her experiences inspire her to ensure that every child—regardless of background—has the tools to thrive. “There is no more sacred opportunity than the gift of education,” she says. “It’s the great gap-filler, the chance for anyone to change their life trajectory.”
With 27 years of service at MUSD, Victoria’s journey reflects her belief in the transformative power of education, her innovative spirit, and her tireless advocacy for students. She continues to lead with empathy, vision, and a profound dedication to the communities she serves.
Clara Schmiedt
Executive Director of Secondary Education
Clara Schmiedt’s career in education began over two decades ago at East Union High School, where she stepped into the classroom as a young teacher at just 23 years old. Over the next six years, she wore many hats—educator, activities director, and cheerleading advisor—experiences that helped her discover her passion for leadership.
“I loved teaching, but I found that it really fit my personality to take on leadership opportunities,” Clara shares. Inspired to expand her impact, she earned her administrative credential and transitioned into her first leadership role as vice principal at East Union High School.
From there, Clara’s career continued to grow as she became Director of Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) for Manteca Unified, overseeing student discipline and attendance for all K-12 schools. “What I found,” she reflects, “was that leadership allowed me to combine strategic thinking with supporting staff and students in meaningful ways.” After four years in that role, Clara stepped into the role of interim principal at Weston Ranch High School, further deepening her leadership experience. She spent four years as the Principal, which was one of the most fulfilling parts of her career.
Now serving as the Executive Director of Secondary Education, Clara brings a wealth of experience, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to supporting students, staff, and families district-wide.
From her early days in the classroom to her current role, Clara’s leadership has been shaped by her belief in the power of education to transform lives. Her dedication to fostering strong school communities and supporting student success continues to leave a lasting impact across Manteca Unified School District.
Jenni Andrews
Executive Director of Elementary Education
With a heart for education and a passion for student success, Jenni serves as the Executive Director of Elementary Education, supporting 20 elementary schools in fostering excellence in teaching and learning. Jenni's journey began in the classroom as a teacher, where a deep commitment to meeting the needs of each and every student took root. That commitment guided a career path through roles such as intervention teacher, teacher lead, vice principal, principal, and director, each step reinforcing a belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Among Jenni's most notable accomplishments is the successful district-wide implementation of the Fundations program, a foundational literacy tool that has significantly improved reading outcomes for young learners. She has also spearheaded the development of a Standards-Based Report Card for TK-6th grade, expanded elective opportunities for junior high students, and strengthened the district's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. These initiatives reflect Jenni’s dedication to fostering equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement in education.
Driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of education, Jenni views schools as the heart of the community. "A strong educational system uplifts not just students but also families and the broader community, creating opportunities for long-term growth and success," she shares.
Outside of work, Jenni enjoys spending quality time with family, finding balance and joy in the moments shared with loved ones.
Dr. Jody Burriss
Senior Director of Special Education
With over 25 years of service in Manteca Unified School District, Dr. Jody Burriss has built a career defined by her passion for fostering relationships and advocating for student success. Her journey into education was fueled by a fascination with human behavior and a drive to make a meaningful difference.
Initially drawn to science, Dr. Burriss pursued a degree in biology before discovering her true calling in psychology. “I always thought I’d become a counselor,” she shares, “but I fell in love with the assessment side of psychology and realized I wanted to support students in unlocking their potential.”
Dr. Burriss began her career at MUSD as a school psychologist, a role that shaped her belief in the importance of collaboration. Her leadership journey started when she became a program specialist, where she recognized that influencing policies could amplify her impact. “I realized I could make a bigger difference by shaping the systems that support students,” she reflects.
One of her proudest accomplishments is the creation of MUSD’s autism programs in 2010, which have since evolved to meet the changing needs of students. Dr. Burriss also championed the philosophy that “all students are general education students first,” a mindset that has transformed how the district supports diverse learners.
As a hands-on leader, Dr. Burriss values listening and collaboration. “I don’t roll out initiatives without first understanding their impact on students and teachers,” she explains. “It’s about building trust and working together to create meaningful change.”
Her legacy is one of innovation, compassion, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student. “Every decision we make should reflect our commitment to helping kids succeed,” she says.
