Ginny Fang Leads Spark SF Schools Amid Critical Education Challenges

Ginny Fang is steering Spark SF Schools, the nonprofit arm of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), through a challenging landscape of budget deficits and educational funding cuts. As she approaches the end of her second year as president, Fang reflects on the legacy of her late grandmother, Tse-Hsia Lei Wang, whose own history of overcoming adversity inspires her leadership today.

Fang’s tenure began in a tumultuous period marked by a significant decrease in federal education funding, amounting to billions lost across all levels of education. “I think about her stories of escaping the Japanese bombing,” Fang said, referring to her grandmother’s experiences during the Chinese Civil War. “Then I think to myself, ‘OK, is not quite there.’”

The year 2025 will see Spark SF Schools celebrate its 10th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the organization’s achievement in raising over $140 million in private donations for public schools since its inception in 2015. The organization was established to provide dedicated funding for critical programs within the district. Under Fang’s leadership, Spark has initiated various programs addressing pressing issues such as low math and literacy rates, chronic absenteeism, and the need for enhanced mental health services.

San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su praised Fang’s contributions, stating, “Under her tenure, Spark has strengthened community investment and elevated visibility for the district’s high priority initiatives.” Su emphasized that Fang’s leadership has fueled improvements across San Francisco’s public education system.

Fang is excited about the future potential of Spark. “It’s not so much what was achieved in the first 10 years — which was a lot,” she noted. “But it’s more about what that showed us we can do in the next 10.” She highlighted Salesforce, the nonprofit’s largest donor, which contributes approximately $5 million annually, as a model for future partnerships.

Described by colleagues as a beacon of positivity, Fang attributes her resilience to her grandmother’s influence. “To have an educated populace — that is the responsibility of us collectively,” Fang said. “That’s what our democracy rests on.” Wang, who grew up in early 20th century China, was a pioneer in education amidst significant political turmoil.

Fang’s grandmother fled to Taiwan following the rise of Mao Zedong, where she became a community leader and one of the first female headmistresses of a middle school. Her commitment to education and community service left a profound impact on Fang. “They were both active leaders in their community, in a country that had survived a painful war,” Fang said.

After completing her degree at Dartmouth College and initially pursuing a career in medicine, Fang shifted her focus to education and philanthropy. Her first significant role in the sector was as head of philanthropy at the San Francisco Ed Fund, where she honed her skills in supporting educational initiatives.

Fang accepted the presidency of Spark SF Schools at the beginning of 2024. This period coincided with significant upheaval within the district, including the resignation of Superintendent Matt Wayne. The subsequent federal election in which President Donald Trump was re-elected led to further reductions in education funding, exacerbating challenges for schools.

Rebecca Kroll, Chief Operating Officer of the San Francisco Ed Fund, expressed confidence in Fang’s leadership during these trying times. “What’s amazing about Ginny is she doesn’t get dissuaded easily,” Kroll stated. “If something is hard in front of her, she thinks creatively about how to tackle it.”

Fang’s dedication to education is also informed by her grandmother’s legacy, who remained active until her passing at the age of 100 in 2023. Wang’s life was filled with learning and community engagement, which Fang strives to emulate. “You have to take what is in front of you and the opportunities that are in front of you,” Fang said.

As education continues to face significant challenges, Fang’s commitment to fostering resilience and innovation within the system serves as a guiding light for the future of San Francisco’s public schools. She remains focused on the ongoing fight for equity, justice, and personal freedoms, recognizing the collective responsibility to nurture the next generation.