Ginny Fang Leads Spark SF Schools Amid Educational Challenges

Ginny Fang has taken the helm of Spark SF Schools during a particularly challenging era for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). As president of the organization’s nonprofit arm, she has navigated significant budget deficits while also dealing with declining federal funding for education. Fang’s leadership has coincided with historic financial challenges for both the district and the city, making her role even more critical.

Fang often reflects on her late grandmother, Tse-Hsia Lei Wang, who fled China during the communist revolution and became a significant educational leader in Taiwan. She draws inspiration from her grandmother’s resilience, stating, “I think about her stories of escaping the Japanese bombing… and what it means to rebuild a country.” As Spark SF Schools approaches its 10th anniversary in 2025, it has raised over $140 million in private donations to support essential student programs.

Since its establishment in 2015, Spark has aimed to enhance funding for critical initiatives within the district. Under Fang’s guidance, the organization has launched new projects addressing issues such as literacy rates, chronic absenteeism, and mental health services. San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su praised Fang’s contributions, calling her work “nothing short of inspiring.” Su noted that Fang has successfully strengthened community investment and elevated awareness for the district’s high-priority initiatives, fostering lasting improvements across San Francisco’s public education system.

Fang expresses pride in Spark’s accomplishments but is more excited about its future potential, especially as the district faces an uncertain fiscal landscape. She emphasizes that the achievements of the past decade demonstrate what is possible in the next ten years. “It’s not so much what was achieved in the first 10 years — which was a lot,” Fang stated. “But it’s more about what that showed us we can do in the next 10.” She highlighted the organization’s major partner, Salesforce, which contributes approximately $5 million annually, as a model for future partnerships.

Colleagues describe Fang as a beacon of positivity, even amid adversity. Her optimistic outlook is a trait she attributes to her grandmother, who instilled in her the importance of education and community service. “To have an educated populace — that is the responsibility of us collectively,” Fang remarked. “That’s what our democracy rests on.”

Wang’s journey is remarkable. Growing up in a wealthy family in China, she received an education during a time when many women were denied that opportunity. After the rise of Mao Zedong, she became part of an underground network of educators challenging the regime. Following her migration to Taiwan, Wang served as headmistress of a middle school, becoming one of the first women in such a position on the island.

Fang’s appreciation for her grandmother’s sacrifices became particularly clear after she graduated from Dartmouth College and reconsidered her career path. She abandoned her long-held ambition to be a doctor, realizing that pursuing what is truly her own passion would allow her to contribute more meaningfully to society. “Being an immigrant to the country and watching my parents and listening to stories of my grandmother,” Fang explained, “you have to pursue what is uniquely yours to pursue in life.”

Her professional journey began with founding ChinaSF and Golden Gate Global, initiatives aimed at promoting economic activity between San Francisco and foreign partners. Shortly thereafter, she joined the San Francisco Ed Fund, where she played a vital role in recruiting volunteers and supporting the school district. Rebecca Kroll, the chief operating officer at the Ed Fund, remarked, “Her skills and strengths were just such a perfect fit for taking on that new role.”

Fang accepted the presidency of Spark SF Schools at the start of 2024, a year marked by turmoil within the district. Following the resignation of SFUSD Superintendent Matt Wayne, and the election of President Donald Trump, federal education initiatives faced cuts that affected resources across the board. Additionally, both the district and the city were forced to implement drastic budget cuts, impacting nonprofit organizations and classroom resources.

Kroll, who has worked in education for 25 years, noted the emotional toll these challenges take on students, teachers, and families. “It’s such a hard time… there’s only so much we can do, but it takes time,” she said. However, she believes the district is fortunate to have Fang leading during this critical moment. “What’s amazing about Ginny is she doesn’t get dissuaded easily,” Kroll added. “She’s got this incredible can-do attitude.”

Fang credits her grandmother’s spirit of perseverance for her own resilience. Even in the United States, Wang remained active until her death at 100 years old in 2023, continuing to engage with her community and pursue personal interests. Fang said, “She gave me a sense that you have to take what is in front of you and the opportunities that are in front of you… the fight for personal freedoms, equity, and justice is ongoing.”

As Spark SF Schools prepares for the challenges ahead, Fang’s commitment to education and community empowerment remains unwavering. Her leadership exemplifies the importance of resilience and vision in navigating the complexities of the current educational landscape.