José L. Manzo
Superintendent-In-Residence
José L. Manzo currently serves as the Superintendent-in-Residence, bringing over three decades of leadership experience in education to his work with school districts. He previously served as Superintendent of the Oak Grove School District in San Jose, a role he held since 2012, where he oversaw 17 schools and approximately 8,500 students.
Throughout his career, José has been a tireless advocate for equitable educational opportunities, particularly for multilingual learners. His passion for education was fueled by his personal journey as an immigrant to the United States in 1972. Determined to create opportunities for all students, he implemented the highly regarded Sobrato Early Acquisition Language (SEAL) Model in Oak Grove, a program that led the district to be named one of two State Demonstration School Districts. His leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Trailblazing Leader Award from the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Region 8 Superintendent of the Year from the Association of California School Administrators, and the Legacy Award in Education from the California Latino School Boards Association.
José’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. He has played a pivotal role in the construction and modernization of over 30 schools, managing over $500 million in bond projects. His ability to integrate high-quality facilities with academic excellence reflects his broader vision for education. A recognized leader in California’s educational community, José is actively involved in various professional organizations, including the Association of California School Administrators and the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators. As Superintendent-in-Residence, he continues to shape the future of education, ensuring that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
