Go Public! Annual Report 2023 2024
2 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 We are champions of public education. Spark SF Public Schools is the only non-profit 501(c)3 organization in formal partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) to receive and mobilize philanthropic and community funds on behalf of the district, in order to advance SFUSD’s vision and most important strategic priorities. Our mission is to champion great public schools in San Francisco for all children to realize their brightest potential. We leverage philanthropy to pilot new programs, propel promising ideas, and scale high-leverage practices across San Francisco’s public school system. Mission Statement
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 3 raised for SFUSD Strategic Initiatives since 2018 $60.9M community and business partners have invested in Spark since 2015 4,360 students impacted by Sparkfunded initiatives since 2015 517,000+ 90% of each dollar raised in FY24 went directly to SFUSD programs $138M raised for SFUSD since 2015 $14.7M disbursed to SFUSD programs in FY24
4 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Board of Directors Letter from the Chair and President Strategic Initiative Fund Our Impact Stories of Impact Superintendent’s 21st Century Scholarship Awards Donor Spotlight Financials Looking Ahead Our Donors Table of Contents 6 7 10 12 14 24 26 28 30 34
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 5 African American 6% American Indian <1% Asian 33% Filipino 3% Latinx 32% Pacific Islander <1% White 12% Multi-Racial 9% Declined to state 4% 132 schools Who we serve 49,560 students 88% graduation rate 25% English language learners of enrolled students 14% Special education of enrolled students 47% Socioeconomically disadvantaged of enrolled students
6 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Board of Directors Mark Reisbaum Chair, and Member, Governance & Recruitment Committee Philanthropy Advisor, Reisbaum Consulting Diana Campoamor Vice Chair, and Co Chair, Governance & Recruitment Committee Founder, Nuestra America Fund Sylvia Yee Vice Chair, and Co Chair, Fundraising Committee Senior Advisor, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund Jennifer Albert Treasurer, and Member, Finance and Audit Committees Principal, Hall Capital Partners LLC Kalpana Ettenson Secretary, and Chair, Communications Committee Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Western Digital Karling Aguilera-Fort Deputy Superintendent, SFUSD Ginny Fang President, Spark SF Public Schools Ay’Anna Moody Member, Finance and Audit Committees Senior Director of Social Impact, Golden State Warriors Jennifer Nguyen Member Director of Postsecondary Success, Stupski Foundation Katherine Orr Co Chair, Fundraising Committee Math Coach, SFUSD Cristina Passoni Member, Governance & Recruitment Committee Vice President, Jefferies Dr. Maria Su Superintendent of Schools, SFUSD
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 7 Dear Spark Community, As we reflect on the 2023-2024 school year, we are filled with gratitude for the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our students, and the unwavering support of our community. This past year was a pivotal one for SFUSD, as the district embarked on transformative efforts to strengthen instructional systems, address persistent challenges, and lay the groundwork for a brighter future for all students. At Spark SF Public Schools, we are proud to have played a critical role in mobilizing philanthropic investments to accelerate this work and drive meaningful systemic improvements towards student success. Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, we have worked alongside district leaders to provide teachers with the tools, training, and resources they need to ensure that every student thrives. From anchoring a decade-long public private partnership to transform SFUSD student dining experience to supporting the construction of a STEM innovation hub to strengthening career pathways for students, Spark has been a steadfast partner in addressing the most urgent needs of our public schools. These efforts are a testament to what is possible when we come together to uplift public education as the foundation of opportunity, equity, and progress in San Francisco. As we look ahead, we recognize that our work is far from over. Our students deserve bold, innovative solutions that will ensure they are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world. Spark is committed to deepening our impact and expanding our efforts to support SFUSD in delivering the high-quality education every child deserves. With the collective support of families, educators, businesses, and community leaders, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and thriving public education system that truly serves all students. Together, we can strengthen our public schools, unlock student potential, and invest in the future of our city. Because when our students thrive, San Francisco thrives. With gratitude and commitment, Ginny Fang President Mark Reisbaum Chair, Board of Directors Letter from the Chair and President
8 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 “Spark SF Public Schools exemplifies the transformative power of partnership between the greater San Francisco community and our school district. We are deeply grateful to the Spark community for its unwavering commitment to supporting SFUSD students and families!” – Dr. Karling Aguilera-Fort, SFUSD Deputy Superintendent
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 9
10 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 AAALI | $1,564,739 (African American Achievement & Leadership Initiative) Educator | $6,737,850 Pipeline PITCH | $6,388,451 Career | $11,093,866 Pathways Initiate | $3,340,764 Wonder STEM | $8,052,799 Computer Science Middle Schools | $7,189,616 Mental Health Initiative COVID | $5,438,594 Rapid Response Funds SF Unified Access | $11,111,590 Strategic Initiatives Fund
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 11 Since its inception, Spark has raised over $138M to support SFUSD-led programs and initiatives that accelerate improved student outcomes in 6 core target areas: learning excellence, equity, access to technology, innovation, wellness, and educator talent. Since 2018, through our Strategic Initiatives Fund, Spark has provided multi-year funding for Superintendent-led priority initiatives, deepening impact with a longer investment horizon. Through our Excellence in Education Fund, Spark effectively channels significant resources to swiftly address district needs across the educational ecosystem, such as school site support, literacy, professional development, student wellness, scholarships, research/ evaluation and more. Total Funds Raised total raised in FY24 across all initiatives & programs $16.4M total raised for SFUSD since 2015 $138M+ 6 Year Total since 2018 $60.9M+
12 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Over the past decade, Spark SF Public Schools has been dedicated to building private partnerships in support of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) to ensure that each and every child receives the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century. Through these partnerships, Spark has invested over $138 million into educational excellence for SFUSD students. These investments have catalyzed systemic change, supporting initiatives that uplift equity, serve the whole child, and advance excellence in teaching and learning. As a result, students across San Francisco have experienced improved educational outcomes, better access to resources, and enhanced support systems, preparing them for college, careers and life. Our Impact across all FY24 grants students impacted by Spark-funded initiatives 49,560 17 grants supporting SFUSD $14.7M disbursed to SFUSD programs
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 13 Uplifting Equity 64% increase in Lexile Reading scores for middle school African American students participating in the Mastering Cultural Identity program 160% increase in students indicating a positive sense of belonging at the end of Black Star Rising program 20% increase in literacy proficiency among African American and Pacific Islander Kindergarten students through the Each and Every By Name initiative Strategic Initiatives Advancing Teaching Learning & Excellence 6,211 K-8 students accessed online math support tutoring tools 89% increase in 8th graders taking BioTech Lab pathway 3x increase in number of students enrolled in the Mission Bay Hub in FY24 1,262 students participated in at least one paid internship or career exploration program Serving the Whole Child 23,554 unique mental health services for middle schoolers MENTAL HEALTH 3,043 unhoused SFUSD students supported HOMELESSNESS +200% increase in breakfast and lunch participation since the new McAteer Culinary Center opened in 2019 DINING EXPERIENCE
14 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 SFUSD Mission Bay Hub I found my passion for health care I found my passion for healthcare during my junior year of high school at The Academy – San Francisco @McAteer. I was introduced to the SFUSD Mission Bay Hub (The Hub) through a presentation by educators from the program. I was immediately interested, not only because of the Hub’s handson approach to learning, but also because my friends, who were already involved, spoke highly of it. What really caught my attention were the internship opportunities the Hub offered, providing a firsthand look at different health careers. This was a huge deal for me, as I had always known I wanted to follow in my family’s footsteps in healthcare, especially nursing. The Hub seemed like the perfect place to explore this passion further. Learning at the Hub was a truly transformative experience for me. Unlike traditional classrooms, the Hub offered a unique blend of academic rigor and practical exposure to the health sciences. I worked in labs where I studied sleep patterns and their connection to human health by exploring mice brains. This real-world science experience, along with the chance to learn about various health fields like physical therapy and obstetrics, broadened my view of the healthcare industry. I also worked alongside students from different schools across SFUSD, which gave me a chance to connect with like-minded peers. The experience helped me discover my own learning style and how I could use it to succeed in college and my future career. One of the most impactful parts of my time at the Hub was its handson, immersive learning environment. I loved how the program allowed us to engage directly with professionals in the field, offering access to healthcare careers that many high school programs just don’t provide. One of the standout moments for me was presenting my research from the night lab, where I studied brain and sleep activity in mice. It was such an exciting experience, combining my love for science with my desire to share what I’d learned with others. As a Student Ambassador, I also had the opportunity to introduce the Hub to students in my community, which helped me further develop my leadership skills. Stories of Impact Student: Jordan Thomas UPLIFTING EQUITY
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 15 The lessons I learned at the Hub went far beyond what I learned in the classroom. The program helped me develop motivation and discipline that I didn’t have before. The teachers at the Hub were incredibly supportive, and they played a huge role in my academic growth. They really pushed me to take school seriously and prepared me for the challenges of college. This was a turning point for me because, before the Hub, I struggled to find relevance in my studies. But by stepping out of my comfort zone—whether it was dissecting a mouse or presenting my research—I discovered a new passion for learning that has continued to propel me toward my dream of becoming a nurse. I am now a freshman at City College and looking ahead, I plan to transfer to Texas Southern University in two years to pursue my dream of becoming an ER nurse. My time at the SFUSD Mission Bay Hub solidified my interest in the fast-paced, hands-on nature of emergency medicine. If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to students thinking about joining the Hub, it’s this: “If you want a different experience, if you want to improve yourself through exciting learning opportunities, you should definitely enroll at the Hub.” The program opened my eyes to the vast possibilities in healthcare and helped me build a network of support and professional relationships that continue to motivate me as I work toward my goals. “ I found my passion for healthcare at the Mission Bay Hub because of the Hub’s hands-on approach to learning. What really inspired me were the internship opportunities that gave me a firsthand look at different health careers. This was a huge deal for me, as I had always wanted to follow in my family’s footsteps in healthcare, especially nursing, and the Hub was the perfect place for me to learn, explore, and grow.” – Jordan Thomas
16 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Transforming the Student Dining Experience 10 Years of Change in the San Francisco Unified School District Stories of Impact “We serve over 40,000 meals a day, and with almost half of our students identified as low socioeconomic status, we know they need nutritious meals. Though people often don’t think about the school cafeteria as a place to improve student outcomes, any parent can tell you that when their child doesn’t eat well, they don’t think well, they don’t play well, and they don’t learn well.” With funding from the Kodama Foundation and expertise from global design firm IDEO, SFUSD launched the Future Dining Experience (FDE)—a district-wide effort to make school meals healthier, more engaging, and more accessible. More than 1,300 students, families, and staff helped shape the initiative, leading to 10 key recommendations aimed at reducing childhood For decades, school cafeterias have been an afterthought—uninspired menus, long lines, and noisy, uninviting spaces. But at the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), a quiet revolution has been reshaping how students experience meals, turning cafeterias into welcoming hubs of nourishment, socialization, and learning. It all started in 2012 when SFUSD’s Student Nutrition Services (SNS) partnered with the Kodama Foundation (formerly the Someland Foundation) and a broad coalition of organizations to take on an ambitious challenge: What if school meals were designed around students’ needs? The Vision: A Student-Centered Approach – Jennifer LeBarre, Executive Director, Student Nutrition Services, SFUSD SERVING THE WHOLE CHILD hunger, improving nutrition, and fostering a culture of healthy eating— especially for low-income students. Based on these recommendations, the Kodama Foundation made a $6.25 million investment that allowed SFUSD to pilot grab-and-go kiosks, smart technology, and modernized meal stations, experimenting with ways to make food both appealing and convenient for students. These pilots showed that making investments in the meal program improved the students’ experience thereby making the case for further investments. A pivotal moment came in 2016 when San Francisco voters approved a General Obligation Bond, allocating funds for critical cafeteria and kitchen upgrades. “If you have an excellent school food program, you’re not just feeding students. You’re impacting families, employees, the local economy, and the environment. This is a quintuple bottom line,” said Jennifer LeBarre, Executive Director of Student Nutrition Services.
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 17 – Bret Harte Elementary’s Principal “When students are well-nourished, they show up. They focus. They learn. And ultimately, they thrive.”
18 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Stories of Impact More Than a Meal: Building Community and Connection For students, the transformation has been about more than just food —it’s about belonging. Bret Harte Elementary’s Principal recalls how a simple cafeteria redesign changed everything: “We put in round tables so students could see each other. We let them sit where they wanted. Suddenly, kids were talking, socializing, and forming connections. The cafeteria became a place they wanted to be.” The shift is echoed across the district. At Starr King Elementary, the new dining space was met with excitement: “It’s beautiful, modern, and colorful with a powerful message. Students truly appreciate it,” said the principal. Even at the middle school level, where lunchrooms can often feel chaotic, students have embraced the changes. “They actually enjoy being in the cafeteria now,” one school leader shared. The Next Chapter: Expanding the Future Dining Experience As SFUSD looks ahead, the Future Dining Experience is focused on three key priorities: Activating Student and Community Voices: Expanding student engagement, feedback sessions, and hands-on workshops in recipe development. Supporting a Thriving Workforce: Investing in professional development, peer mentoring, and team-building to empower SNS staff. Creating Dignified Built Environments: Continuing to redesign dining spaces, upgrade kitchen equipment, and modernize food service systems across the district. With continued philanthropic support, community partnerships, and public investment, SFUSD is committed to ensuring every student has access to nutritious, high-quality meals in an environment that fosters connection and well-being. “When students are well-nourished, they show up. They focus. They learn. And ultimately, they thrive,” said LeBarre. As SFUSD marks a decade of progress, the district is calling on its community—donors, businesses, and advocates—to help take the Future Dining Experience to the next level. 1 2 3 Because when school meals work, students don’t just eat—they succeed.
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 19 82 School Cafeterias Redesigned 43,000 Students served Kitchen Renovations 4 Daily, over 200 SNS Dining Staff provide 40,000 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to students across 125 school sites. 10 Years of Philanthropic Support and Substantial 2016 GO Bond Funding Telling the Story In 2024, the book Transforming the Student Dining Experience, Ten Years of Change in the San Francisco Unified School District was produced to tell the story of how the dining experience was reimagined for SFUSD students. To read the book, please visit our website: sparksfpublicschools.org – Jennifer LeBarre, Executive Director, Student Nutrition Services, SFUSD “ If you have an excellent school food program, you’re having an impact on students, their families, your employees, the local economy, and the environment.”
20 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Stories of Impact Instructional Coherence New shared online resource guides for teachers at all grade levels to facilitate Deeper Learning in the classroom For all students to learn, educators need access to the same tools and resources that shape their lesson planning. All educators need to have the same markers for what high-quality learning looks like in the classroom. In 2022-23, SFUSD’s Department of Curriculum & Instruction focused on instructional coherence to ensure every classroom is a place of studentcentered, experiential learning. The goal was to ensure all classrooms promote hands-on, studentcentered learning. To achieve this goal, the district needed easy-to-use, integrated gradelevel guides to help teachers ensure that every student feels included, engaged, and responsible for their own success. Thanks to the generous support of the Kodama Foundation, SFUSD has moved forward in leaps and bounds, rolling out comprehensive instructional guidance across grade levels. These resources—grounded in SFUSD’s Deeper Learning framework—offer essential tools and support for teachers, from scheduling instructional minutes to fostering classroom communities. Teachers can now use these resources as a guide to help plan lessons, build strong classroom communities, and manage their teaching time. TEACHER GUIDES INCLUDE: • creating a positive learning environment, • teaching essential content, • encouraging students to take ownership of their learning, and, • making sure students can show what they’ve learned. KEY SUCCESSES INCLUDE: • the launch of guides for PreK/TK and K-5 grades, • special resources for teachers of Special Day Classes (SDC), • clear content expectations have helped make teaching and learning more consistent across the district. Building on this success, instructional coherence was the central theme of professional development for SFUSD educators in 2023- 24. With a combination of in-person academies, principal meetings, and ongoing professional learning, the district further integrated this vision into everyday practice. The work continues to expand its focus to middle school with the development of new instructional guides for both general and special education, alongside family-facing resources. These efforts will ensure SFUSD is equipped with a coherent, comprehensive curriculum framework from PreK through 8th grade and beyond. SFUSD’s accomplishments in instructional guidance are the result of countless collaborative hours, feedback sessions, and professional retreats. From working with content teams to videotaping model lessons, every step has been driven by a commitment to deeper learning. As SFUSD looks ahead, the district remains focused on refining these resources, expanding them to high school, and ensuring that every educator, student, and family has access to the tools they need for success. This journey is far from over. With ongoing support and continued collaboration, SFUSD is poised to deliver on its promise: that in every classroom, on any given day, students are not only learning but thriving— engaged, thinking, and demonstrating their knowledge with confidence. ADVANCING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING & LEARNING
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 21 Culture of Learning Are all students engaged in the lesson from start to finish? Essential Content Are all students learning content appropriate for their grade level and subject area? Academic Ownership Are all students responsible for doing the thinking in this classroom? Demonstration of Learning Are all students demonstrating that they are learning? ASSESSM E N T F O R LEARNING EQUITABLE ACCESS & DEMAND IN Q UIR Y COLLABORATION Deeper Learning Framework Core Instruction Rubric Instructional Guidance Website GRADUATE PROFILE SFUSD is poised to deliver on its promise: that in every classroom, on any given day, students are not only learning but thriving—engaged, thinking, and demonstrating their knowledge with confidence.
22 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Stories of Impact Crankstart Foundation Empowering Futures for Vulnerable Youth Through Paid Internships, Mentorship, Partnerships and Capacity Building Last year, we were honored to receive a vital grant that has significantly advanced Spark’s mission to support access to career exploration and hands-on learning for SFUSD’s high school students, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds. Through Spark, the Crankstart Foundation’s support enabled SFUSD’s College & Career Readiness program to offer paid internships to students who otherwise might not have had the opportunity, not just for exposure to different careers, but to provide meaningful financial support that many of these students and their families rely on. For many youth in our schools, participation in unpaid internships is simply not feasible. Their families often depend on their income for essential needs like rent and food. Facilitated through Spark SF Public Schools, this grant has allowed the College & Career Readiness program to address that barrier directly. Over the course of the year, they have been able to offer school-year and summer internships, enabling students to build both hard and soft skills that are critical for their futures, while also adding valuable experience to their resumes. These internships have given students a chance to “try on” various careers, empowering them to envision a broader range of possibilities for their future. One of the most exciting aspects of the program has been SFUSD’s partnership with City College of San Francisco (CCSF), which provides students with the opportunity to take Dual Enrollment courses. This is not just about academic learning but a chance for these students to earn college credit while still in high school, positioning them ahead of their peers for postsecondary success. Our dedicated colleagues at SFUSD have been instrumental in this partnership, offering personalized supervision and mentorship at the students’ internship placements. Through oneon-one support, program mentors have been able to provide college and career counseling tailored to each student’s unique needs and goals. A key focus of the Crankstart Foundation’s investment was to expand SFUSD’s work with the Mission Educator Project, particularly those within the Latinx community. Through this partnership, the program recruited over 30 additional Latinx students from the Mission and Outer Mission/ Excelsior neighborhoods to join an affinity-based cohort. This cohort model has provided culturally relevant support and mentorship from Latinx educators and counselors, many of whom share similar backgrounds with the students. These students have not only thrived in their internship placements, but have also attended culturally affirming field trips, career panels, and participated in financial literacy workshops that provide realworld knowledge essential for their futures. Spark SF Public Schools is proud to partner with the Crankstart Foundation to invest in SFUSD’s vulnerable students, allowing us not only to grow the number of internships and fellowships offered, but to strengthen the quality and depth of the support SFUSD can provide. The individualized mentorship, career counseling, and targeted academic guidance have empowered students to make informed decisions about their futures— decisions that will have a lasting impact. With the Crankstart Foundation’s support we have not only expanded the reach of SFUSD’s College & Career Readiness program, we also provided lifechanging opportunities for students who often face ADVANCING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING & LEARNING
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 23 The College & Career Readiness program set ambitious goals with this investment from Crankstart, and is proud to report that they surpassed expectations including: FELLOWSHIPS AND MENTORSHIP last year, the program provided over 200 vulnerable high school students with fellowships to explore potential career paths. 1 GROWTH OF THE MISSION EDUCATOR PROJECT SFUSD expanded the Mission Educator Project, enrolling over 30 additional vulnerable Latinx students. These students were strategically placed in specific classrooms and schools, where they not only gained work experience but served as role models and mentors to younger Latinx students. With the support of Latinx counselors and educators, they received the culturally responsive mentorship they needed to thrive, as well as academic support in Latinx Studies courses through City College San Francisco. 2 BUILDING INTERNAL CAPACITY to scale impact, the program increased the capacity of the College & Career Readiness (CCR) team. Over 13 CCR staff members worked year-round to provide academic support, supervision, and career counseling to students in the program. Additionally, we engaged Special Education staff to ensure that students receiving SpEd services had the appropriate accommodations and support throughout their internships. 3 the highest barriers to success. The impact of this work will ripple through our community for years to come, as these students take their first steps toward college and career readiness with confidence, purpose, and the skills to succeed. “[In my internship] I’ve been able to realize how much I enjoy working with kids and being able to guide them...Not only am I able to do something I love, but I’m also saving the money I earn for my college funds and my future. I’ve met great people, grown as a person, and have been able to learn and expand on skills that will be of great use for me in the future.” – Intern Sayda, Senior Abraham Lincoln HS Teacher Academy
24 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Ignite Potential 2024 Every year, Spark SF Public Schools recognizes six graduating seniors who exemplify the characteristics of the Graduate Profile with a Superintendent’s 21st Century Scholarship Award. Hannah Chikere Ready to Create Tyler Choi Ready to Lead, Ready to Work with Others Kimberly Nguyen Ready to Think, Learn, and Grow Sebastian Cordovez Ready to Tackle a Changing World Fredy Denilson Vasquez Veliz Ready to Be Your Best Stephanie Liang Ready for Career, Ready for Life Superintendent’s 21st Century Scholarship Awards The SFUSD Graduate Profile identifies the knowledge, skills, dispositions and behaviors required by our 21st century world. SFUSD’s goal is for students to reflect the Graduate Profile, each in their own unique way, by the time they graduate.
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 25 The program opened with a commissioned poem written and performed by SFUSD student Naia Chien that celebrated the power of community uplifting SFUSD students to fulfill their brightest potential. SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne and members of Spark SF Public Schools’ Board of Directors applauded this year’s six award recipients - from left to right in the back: Tyler Choi, Sebastian Cordovez - in the front: Kimberly Nguyen, Hannah Chikere, Stephanie Liang and Fredy Denilson Vasquez Veliz. Each received a $4,000 scholarship for exemplifying one of the six competencies of the SFUSD Graduate Profile in their school community. Each awardee was also presented with a personalized authentic Golden State Warriors jersey by Spark Board member Ay’Anna Moody of the Warriors Community Foundation. Amali Hart, Kiko Tilles and Sara Yoffie, 12th graders from Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, danced a piece choreographed for the occasion. The reception featured a lively performance of jazz tunes by the Lowell High School jazz combo with Tate Copley, Leo Hong Johnson, Emilio Vargas Mendez, Jacob Landman, Asa Mentzel, and Graham Witt. Students, families, SFUSD educators, philanthropic leaders, and members of the San Francisco community gathered at Spark’s annual Ignite Potential event in the Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center on May 1st.
26 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Donor Spotlight The new instruments from Mr. Frederick’s generous gift have helped replace some really aged and poor-quality equipment. It’s hard for students to learn on bad instruments, so this gift is providing essential equipment to grow our new program. – Dustin Hart, Music Teacher
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 27 Creating a Lasting Impact in Music Education James S. Frederick’s Legacy Gift to the Music Department of Abraham Lincoln High School Music education is a gift that keeps on giving. As musician and neuroscientist Alan Harvey stated, “research shows that at-least some musical education has a positive impact on social and cognitive development of children. And these effects are long lasting – better hearing, better motor skills, improved memory, better verbal and literacy skills.” Before the pandemic, students at Abraham Lincoln High School honed these vital skills through singing in the chorus or joining the orchestra. However, the pandemic brought significant challenges to music education. Compounded by dwindling arts funding, the school’s music department faced difficult decisions, including eliminating its band and orchestra. The music program now consisted of two piano classes, two guitar classes, one choral course, and served 180 students. Many instruments that had once filled the school with vibrant melodies fell into disrepair, with some beyond saving. Everything changed in 2024 when Spark SF Public Schools delivered some incredible news to Abraham Lincoln High School’s music department: it was named a beneficiary in the trust of alumnus James S. Frederick who bequeathed the department a generous gift of $150,000 through Spark. Jim, who was born in San Francisco and adopted, graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1958. During his time there, he played the cello, fostering a lifelong passion for music. Jim continued his education at UC Berkeley before embarking on a successful career in database technology, which eventually took him to Japan. There, he met his lifelong partner, Yamada-san, and they lived together for 30 years. Despite his international life, Jim maintained strong ties to the Bay Area, especially after returning to San Carlos to care for his mother in the early 2000s. Following Yamada’s passing in 2018, Jim settled permanently in the Bay Area, later moving to a retirement home in Redwood City . Thanks to Jim’s generous bequest, the school was able to purchase a wealth of new instruments, including 3 French horns, 4 alto saxophones, 4 clarinets, 3 euphoniums, 3 cellos, 4 violins, 4 violas as well as several mouthpieces and bows. Additionally, Jim’s gift was also used to repair existing damaged instruments. And, combined with funds from Proposition 28, the music department was able to hire a full-time music teacher and reinstate both the band and orchestra programs, expanding access to music education for an additional 140 students through three orchestra classes and two additional band classes. Jim’s gift will have a lasting impact on the music education of future generations at Abraham Lincoln High School. His legacy will live on through the notes played by students who share his passion for music, ensuring that the joy and benefits of music education continue to flourish.
28 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Grants and Contributions In-kind Gifts Interest Investment Income Events Total Revenue $14,859,350 $613,061 $73,060 $720,632 $141,172 $16,407,275 Revenue & Support Grants and Fellowships Distributions Management & General Fundraising Total Expenses Expenses $14,743,655 $472,652 $190,679 $15,406,986 90.6% 3.7% 0.4% 4.4% 95.7% Change in Net Assets $1,000,289 Net Assets at the Beginning of the Year $5,307,851 Net Assets at the End of the Year $6,308,140 1.2% July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 Financials 0.9% 3.1%
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 29 “School was always a place where I could test new ideas and learn new things. Over time, I realized school was also a place where I was discovering who I wanted to be in the future.” – Naia Chien, SFUSD high school student and Ignite Potential 2024 Youth Poet
30 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Looking Ahead Supporting Deep Systems Change for SFUSD As SFUSD deepens its systems work within its Vision, Values, Goals and Guardrails (VVGG) framework, Spark SF Public Schools is proud to support these district-wide goals, including the transformation of SFUSD’s instructional and student support systems, to accelerate and sustain equity and excellence in student outcomes through increased literacy and math proficiency, while serving the whole child. Literacy and math proficiency rates for SFUSD students have stagnated over the past decade with approximately a little more than half of SFUSD students meeting grade level standards for literacy, and a little less than half for math. Driven by the new VVGG framework, in 2022, the district launched an overhaul of its core instructional systems. By ensuring that every student has access to engaging, inclusive, and effective teaching, we not only promote academic achievement but also cultivate essential life skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. When teachers deliver high-quality instruction, they create an environment where all students, regardless of background or ability, have the opportunity to succeed. Looking Ahead RESEARCH-BASED CURRICULA The district is implementing new, researchbacked, data-driven literacy and math curricula across SFUSD schools. These curricula are designed to inclusively and effectively teach foundational skills to a diverse student population, providing teachers with the right tools to support the academic success of a diverse student body with a broad range of backgrounds and needs. 1 This restructuring focuses on three key areas:
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 31 BUILD VIBRANT TEACHING COMMUNITIES As with any profession, teachers need continuous professional development, coaching, and support based on innovative practices and the latest research. In the past, less than 25% of schools had access to instructional coaching. SFUSD will invest in the dramatic expansion of instructional coaches across the district, while establishing Instructional Leadership Teams at each school. These structures enable school site realization of district-wide goals for student success, while providing teachers with consistent access to effective instructional strategies. 2 HIGH-IMPACT TUTORING To supplement classroom instruction, highimpact tutoring tools are being introduced, aligned with the new curricula. These digital tools adjust to the student’s ability and can either target gaps in foundational skills or expand learning beyond the classroom curriculum. The lack of improvement in student data over the past decade demonstrated the need for systems change. By investing in teachers and an instructional system that will support their success, SFUSD is building the foundation for a stronger education system and a brighter, more equitable future for all students. 3
32 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Looking Ahead As SFUSD embarks on this transformative work, Spark will mobilize philanthropic resources to amplify the district’s efforts and maximize its impact. While the district is making significant investments to overhaul instructional systems, strategic philanthropic contributions can accelerate progress and enhance outcomes when aligned with these efforts. Together, we can create an exponential impact—strengthening support for teachers and driving meaningful improvements in student success. Spark’s role is to work in close partnership with district leaders and teams, align with the theory of action and implementation plan, and strategically direct community resources where they can serve as a catalyst—elevating a strong effort into an exceptional one. Because all SFUSD students deserve an outstanding education to fuel their limitless potential. With these major efforts to transform student achievement and learning in place, Spark is mapping out its next decade of impact for San Francisco’s public schools. As we approach our 10-year anniversary in 2025, we have begun to lay the foundation for considerable growth in the next decade driving significantly increased resources to our Focus Areas to support core district student goals: With the abundance and innovative spirit that is in our great City of San Francisco, we look forward to working together with the greater city community to lift our public schools. Public education is the foundation upon which we build a more just and thriving society. By coming together—families, educators, businesses, and community leaders—we can ensure that every SFUSD student has access to the high-quality education they deserve. As we chart the course for our next decade, Spark remains committed to deepening our impact, mobilizing greater resources, and fostering meaningful partnerships to advance excellence in teaching and learning, uplift equity, and serve the whole child. The road ahead is ambitious, but with the abundance and innovative spirit that defines San Francisco, we have the opportunity to create lasting change. Together, we can strengthen our public schools, unlock student potential, and invest in the future of our city. 1 2 3 Advancing Excellence in Teaching and Learning Uplifting Equity Serving the Whole Child CORE DISTRICT STUDENT GOALS: Because when our students thrive, San Francisco thrives. What’s next?
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 33 “Quality instruction and quality curriculum are the most high-leverage tools we have in teaching for equity and giving each student what they need in order to succeed, especially for historically underserved populations.” – Eloise Libre, Instructional Coach Alvarado Elementary School
34 Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 Salesforce.org Anonymous Crankstart Foundation Office of Public School Construction The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund James S. Frederick 2011 Family Trust PCL Construction Warriors Community Foundation Graff Family Fund Anonymous Bayer Fund Diana Campoamor and Margarita Gandia Education Outside Mick and Sabrina Hellman Intrepid Philanthropy Foundation National Park Trust Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale Laura and Greg Spivy AT&T CalRTA Golden Gate Capital Goodwin Family Memorial Trust Kaiser Permanente Kitchell Felix Lo Jennifer Risher Safeway Foundation The Sweeny-Wong Family Jennifer Wilson and Andrew Gass Scott and Rachel Burger Family Fund Carollo Chan Zuckerberg Initiative James Irvine Foundation Katherine Orr Mark Reisbaum Sternberg Charitable Foundation Sylvia Yee and Brian McCaffrey Anonymous Angela Chau Ruben Diaz Fernando Gonzalez Jenckyn Goosby Daniel Handler and Lisa Brown Iris Hu KAVE Family Foundation Barbara and David Kimport Cheryl and Gary King Charitable Gift Fund Jean Lee Fund Patricia Mar Ronald Quan Beth Ryan The Sher-Right Fund David Blacker Robert Bunker Casi Carlson Stephanie Hua Molly Layshock Amanda McDougall Douglas Nicolson Kelly O’Brien Fred Spitz Lily Taft Anne and Larry Wayne Jason Weeby Anjali Blacker Butler Armsden Architects Hedy Chang Geshlider-Hayakawa Fund Jami Kapla Alex Lantsberg Henry Milich Tu Nguyen Janet Ni Dean Olmstead Jeremy Pollock Matt Price Ram Raghunathan Lou Re Mark and Susan Reckers $5M+ $1M+ $100K+ $10K+ $500K+ $200K+ $5K+ $2.5K+ $1K+ $500+ $250+ July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 Our Donors $50K+
Spark SF Public Schools • Annual Report • 2023-2024 35 Sonya Abrams Morgan Agnew Nicholas Alvarado Lindsay and Warren Braunig Margaret Becker Mari Becker Susan Belau David Bullock Peggy Chen Claire Cochran Jonathan Crosby Amanda Dowd Jonathan Goodman Karen Hadary Melissa Hill Jennifer Hoban Chris Honingford Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund Bryan Jung Katrina Kimport Ngan Liang Dennis Lin Annie Nogg Sara Norwick David Parrish Cristina Passoni Alexis Pence Amanda Sather Divij Sharma Lida Soofer Lisa Sparks Martin Steiner Robert Thompson Kimberly Wicoff Peter Wiley Jennifer Bhalla Ashley Burrow Camilla Busnovetsky Mark Butorac Christopher Campbell Lisa Campbell Dante Chan Kathie Chao Jennifer Chien Susan Chien Nancy Ching Victoria Chuong Christina Crooker Susie Decker Julie Doupe Michael Doyle Renee Fazzari Jamie Ferrer Emma Ford Nadezhda Frenkel Julian Gelvezon Fabiha Hannan Colm Hegarty Jilanne Hoffmann Kim-Minh Huberwald Gigi Ikeda Randolph Johnson Akiko Kojima Leonid Kontsevich Kurt Larson Nancy Leiser Molly Lemmer Jennifer Leung David Lewis Hubert Lim Jia Liu Michelle Luna Hong Luo Rachel McCutcheon Heather Meidinger Ariel Parrish Piyush Patel Emmanuelle Pease Mary Russell Anhdai Sempere Celeste Sempere Jessica Spring Diane Stark Elizabeth Tam-Helmuth Matthew Tozer Juan Tuyub Will VanBrackle Richard Whitham Juana Wu Laine Yien Kathy Zetes Yi Zheng $100+ $1+ “To truly improve student academic outcomes, we must ensure we are ‘serving the whole child.’ This means addressing mental health, overall wellness, safety, and fostering a sense of belonging. The funding from Spark SF Public Schools enables SFUSD to better fulfill this holistic approach to student success. Thank you, Spark community!” – Eric Guthertz, SFUSD Assistant Superintendent, Student and Family Services Division
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