Ginny Fang is navigating significant challenges as she leads the San Francisco Unified School District’s nonprofit arm, Spark SF Schools. Nearing the end of her second year as president, Fang’s tenure has coincided with historic budget deficits and sweeping cuts to educational funding initiated by the federal government. These economic pressures have intensified the need for strong leadership in the district, which has experienced a tumultuous financial landscape.
Fang credits her resilience to her family, particularly her late grandmother, Tse-Hsia Lei Wang. Wang fled China during the communist revolution and became a prominent educational leader in Taiwan. Reflecting on her grandmother’s experiences of hardship, Fang said, “I think about her stories of escaping the Japanese bombing… what it means to rebuild a country, like she helped do in Taiwan.” This legacy of perseverance inspires Fang as she confronts the complexities of her role.
Founded in 2015, Spark SF Schools has raised over $140 million in private donations to support San Francisco public schools. This year marks the organization’s 10th anniversary, a milestone that Fang views as an opportunity to highlight the impact of community support on educational initiatives. Under her leadership, Spark has launched various programs aimed at improving literacy rates, addressing chronic absenteeism, and enhancing mental health services for students.
Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, Maria Su, praised Fang’s efforts, stating, “Under her tenure, Spark has strengthened community investment and elevated visibility for the district’s high priority initiatives.” This recognition underscores Fang’s role in fostering collaboration and driving improvements within the education system.
Fang remains optimistic about the future. “I honestly think it’s not so much what was achieved in the first 10 years — which was a lot,” she said, “But it’s more about what that showed us we can do in the next 10.” She cited the organization’s largest donor, Salesforce, which contributes approximately $5 million annually, as a model for similar partnerships that could enhance Spark’s outreach and capabilities.
Despite the challenges, those who work closely with Fang commend her positive outlook. Rebecca Kroll, Chief Operating Officer at the San Francisco Education Fund, emphasized Fang’s tenacity in addressing obstacles creatively. “If something is hard in front of her, she thinks creatively about how to tackle it. She’s got this incredible can-do attitude,” Kroll noted.
Fang’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in her family history. Her grandmother, who lived through the turmoil of 20th-century China, was a trailblazer in education and community organization. After moving to Taiwan, Wang became a headmistress, one of the first women to hold such a position in the country. She continued to advocate for education and community involvement throughout her life, exemplifying the values Fang now embodies.
The lessons from her grandmother resonate with Fang, especially as she reflects on her own journey. After initially pursuing a career in medicine, Fang shifted her focus to education and philanthropy, believing that true fulfillment comes from pursuing one’s unique passions. “That’s where you have your greatest value back to society, to the community and to yourself,” she explained.
Fang’s career in education began as the head of philanthropy at the San Francisco Education Fund, where she worked to recruit volunteers and support classroom initiatives. Her transition to Spark was marked by an urgent need for leadership, especially during a difficult period for the district that saw the resignation of Superintendent Matt Wayne in September 2024, followed by a significant federal shift under President Donald Trump that affected education funding across the board.
As the district grapples with severe budget cuts, Fang remains focused on the mission of Spark SF Schools: to empower students and support educators. Despite the financial challenges, she believes in the potential for transformative change through collective effort. “To have an educated populace — that is the responsibility of us collectively to make sure we’re teaching our students,” Fang stated.
Fang’s grandmother, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 100, serves as a continuous source of inspiration. Wang’s legacy of resilience and community service instilled in Fang a deep understanding of the ongoing fight for equity and justice in education. “The fight for personal freedoms, equity and justice is ongoing,” Fang remarked, emphasizing the importance of engaging in these crucial societal battles.
As Spark SF Schools moves into its next decade, Fang’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating the uncertain fiscal landscape while continuing to uplift the educational community in San Francisco. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and equitable educational environment reflects both her personal history and her vision for the future.
