Annual Report | 2024-202510 Years of Commitment to San Francisco's Public Schools
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Spark SF Public Schools is the official non-profit 501(c)3 organization in formal partnership with the San FranciscoUnified 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, propelpromising ideas, and scale high-leverage practices across San Francisco’s public school system.Mission StatementSpark Annual Report | 2024-2025
2Community and business partners have invested with Spark since 2015Raised for SFUSD in FY25Raised for SFUSD priority initiatives since 2018Of each dollar raised inFY25 went directly toSFUSD programsRaised since 2015Students served annuallysince 20154,445$16.3m$74.2m $154.3m 96% 50,000+Highlights
Spark Annual Report | 2024-202501 About This Report01 Spark Mission Statement 02 Highlights 04 Who We Serve05 Letter from the Board Chair & President07 Board of Directors25 Ten Years of Impact27 A Decade of Impact 29 Salesforce Foundation33 Kodama Foundation37 Golden State Community Foundation 41 Herbert Hoover Middle School45 Superintendent's Scholarship Awards49 Building the Next Decade51 Investments & Financials54 Financials 2024-202555 Donor List& Recognition57 Donor List & Recognition09 Annual Impact Highlights11 Ready, Set, Read! Literacy - the Gateway to Opportunity15 All-Star Giving: Bringing Abundance to Our Community 17 Pride Liaisons & Rainbow Clubs 21 A Legacy of Hope for Vulnerable Students: How One Gift Continues to Transform Lives 23 Our City, Our Schools, 10 Year Gala Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Table of Contents
4Who We Serve, 2024-2025Students Enrolled DemographicsPacific Islander <1%White 13%Multi-Racial 9%Declined to state 4%African American 6%American Indian <1%Asian 31%Filipino 3%Latinx 33%Schools we serve122StudentsMultilingual Learners Special educationof enrolled students of enrolled students50,04625% 14%Graduation rate87%Socio-economically disadvantagedof enrolled students56%
Spark Annual Report | 2024-20252025 marked a meaningful milestone: 10 years of Spark SF Public Schools.A decade ago, Spark was founded on a bold but simple idea—that San Francisco could do more, together, to support its public schools and the students they serve. Ten years later, that idea has grown into a citywide partnership connecting philanthropy, community, and public education in service of student success.At the core of Spark’s mission is the belief that a strong public school system is foundational to a strong city and a healthy democracy—and that it must be invested in as such. This principle has guided Spark’s work from the beginning, shaping how we partner with the San Francisco Unified School District, how we align philanthropic investment, and how we remain focused on longterm impact rather than short-term solutions.Since our founding, Spark has worked hand in hand with SFUSD to channel community resources toward the district’s highest priorities. Grounded in shared goals and accountability, Spark has helped advance initiatives that strengthen literacy and Equally important is how Spark has shown up. Over the past decade, Spark has served as a steady, trusted partner to SFUSD through moments of growth and moments of challenge such as the COVID pandemic—listening closely, leveraging philanthropic dollars to amplify district investments into critical student priorities, and staying nimble and focused on what matters most: students and their success.This anniversary arrives at a pivotal moment for our city and our schools. The challenges facing public education are real, but the past ten years have shown what is possible when we act with shared purpose and collective responsibility. Spark enters its second decade with clarity, momentum, and an unwavering commitment to impact.We are deeply grateful to the many people who have made this work possible—our donors and partners, our Board of Directors and leadership council, the Spark team, and the educators, students, and families of SFUSD who inspire this work every day.STEM, improve nutrition, attendance and sense of belonging, support educator development, and expand opportunity for all students across San Francisco.Because of the generosity and commitment of this community, Spark’s impact over the past decade includes:Dear Spark Community,Letter from theBoard Chair & President$154.3minvested in SFUSD students, schools, and educators50,000+student lives reached annually through Spark-invested programs4,445business partners& community members
6As we look ahead, our charge is clear: to build on what we have learned, deepen our partnerships, and continue championing great public schools so that every student in San Francisco can thrive.In the pages that follow, we reflect on ten years of impact and look ahead to what’s possible when a city continues to invest—together—in its public schools.Mark ReisbaumChair Board of DirectorsGinny FangPresidentSpark SF Public Schools00With gratitude,
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Ginny FangPresident, Spark SF Public Schools Cheryl KingSenior Vice President, LM Capital GroupAy’Anna MoodyExecutive Director, Warriors Community FoundationJennifer NguyenDirector of Postsecondary Success, Stupski Foundation Katherine OrrInstructional Math Coach, SFUSD Cristina PassoniVice President, Jefferies LLC Dr. Maria Su Superintendent, SFUSDMilana TarganGlobal Head of People Analytics, TransUnionMark ReisbaumChair, Philanthropy Advisor, Reisbaum Consulting Diana CampoamorVice Chair, Founder, Nuestra America Fund Sylvia YeeVice Chair, Senior Advisor, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund Kalpana EttensonSecretary, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Western DigitalKarling Aguilera-FortDeputy Superintendent of Schools, SFUSD Jennifer AlbertTreasurer, Director, Pathstone (formerly Hall Capital Partners LLC) Tony Emerson-Zetina Ed. L.D. Senior Program Officer, Crankstart FoundationBoard of Directors 2024-25
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Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Annual Impact & Highlights
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Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025 Spark* I Annual Report | 2024-2025Children enter the world ready to learn: they are curious explorers, naturally decoding the complexity around them as they grow. When we see a child struggling to learn or to read, it is not a reflection of their potential, but a call for us, as adults, to examine how we are teaching and supporting them.Ready, Set, Read!Literacy - the Gatewayto Opportunity
12In March 2024, SFUSD adopted Into Reading as its new literacy curriculum rooted in the science of reading, SFUSD’s first new literacy curriculum in more than a decade. Since then over 1,400 educators have received robust training in Into Reading, strengthening instruction for over 20,000 students. With your support, we've expanded access to high-quality professional learning, coaching, and tutoring—equipping teachers with the tools to help all students thrive, especially those who need the most support.To quickly mobilize support and resources, in August 2024, Spark launched Ready, Set, Read!, a 3-year, $5 million campaign to strengthen the district’s ambitious efforts to transform its literacy instructional systems, improve how it teaches every child to read and write, to ultimately drive dramatically higher literacy proficiency for all students.By investing philanthropic dollars to substantially augment the implementation of SFUSD’s comprehensive literacy transformation, Ready, Set, Read! builds on the district’s significant investment in focus, infrastructure, and resources—amplifying and sustaining improvements to literacy instruction and student learning across every school for years to come.This campaign represents a bold, equity-driven investment in early reading, built on research, impacting all of SFUSD’s students, educators and families.Teachers are at the heart of our public schools.With the support of our donor community, Spark remains committed to ensuring that all SFUSD teachers have what they need to be at their best for each and every student. We are not just transforming reading outcomes—we’re building a future where every San Francisco student has the confidence, joy, and power that comes with becoming a strong reader.
Spark Annual Report | 2024-20253 Literacy Institutes delivered(Aug 2024, Jan 2025, June 2025)90% of teachers rated trainings “good” or “excellent”325 K–2 teachers deepened structured literacy skills in June1,484 elementary teachers trained(Aug 2024, Jan 2025, June 2025)Number of literacy strategy workshops atNew mid-year Institute (first in 5+ years)100% of schools have an instructional coach390%3251,48433100%“Looking back at my reading STAR scores, with the new curriculum, about 70% of my class was at grade level or above, which is something new to us.\"Georgina C., Kindergarten Teacher, Dolores Huerta Elementary
1420k+ students impactedthrough district-wide literacy investment — with 100% of schools supported by an instructional coach.14
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025 Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Connecting an impactful, mission-driven organization with opportunities to make an All-Star difference for the public school students and communities in San Francisco.Starting in summer 2024, Spark worked closely with the Golden State Warriors and the NBA to secure a transformative partnership tied to the February 2025 NBA All-Star Game, held at the Chase Center in San Francisco. We brought NBA Cares to multiple school sites in the neighborhoods near the stadium, before choosing Bret Harte Elementary in the Bayview as a site for a full renovation of their gym facilities.This collaboration was about more than basketball. At the dedication ceremony for Bret Harte’s newly renovated gym, the Golden State Warrior's Draymond Green captured the deeper meaning when he shared how he grew up in a gym—a place where he could dream big and work hard to achieve those dreams.In challenging times, it’s more important than ever for our community to create spaces that inspire hope and opportunity for our youth and families. Spark is proud to play a role in making that possible.All-Star Giving: Bringing Abundance to Our Community
1600SFUSD elementary and middle school students also joined the 2025 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Day at the Moscone Center on February 14, 2025, where members of the NBA family, including current and former players, joined students from SFUSD to participate in basketball clinics that focus on teaching the fundamentals and values of the game.
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Launched in 2022, the Pride Liaisons and Rainbow Clubs initiative was created to meet a growing and urgent need in SFUSD elementary schools. When students returned to in-person instruction in August 2021, educators reported a notable rise in the number of elementary students coming out at younger ages. This mirrored national trends, and it underscored the importance of providing safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.To support students and school communities, LGBTQ+ Student Services piloted the Pride Liaison program in 12 elementary schools in 2022.The model quickly proved impactful. With strong demand from schools and a $24,000 grant from Spark in 2024, the program expanded dramatically and was active in 32 elementary schools in 2024-2025.Creating Belonging for Every Child:Pride Liaisons & Rainbow Clubs
18Why This Work MattersResearch shows that LGBTQ+ youth who come out before age 13 face significantly higher risks of harassment, bullying, and suicide attempts. Schools that provide structured LGBTQ+ support see meaningful improvements in student well-being and school climate. Middle school educators are already noticing the ripple effect: students who participated in Rainbow Clubs in elementary school arrive more confident, more empathetic, and more likely to advocate for their peers.How the Program WorksPride Liaisons are teachers, counselors, and social workers who take on an additional leadership role to foster inclusion across their school communities. Their responsibilities include leading Rainbow Clubs, safe and welcoming groups open to all students, coordinating schoolwide Pride events such as assemblies and parades, ensuring LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum is present in classrooms, facilitating conversations about kindness, compassion, and diverse identities.Every Pride Liaison organizes at least one schoolwide activity annually, helping embed SFUSD’s diversity-driven values into daily school culture.Rainbow Clubs emphasize kindness, allyship, and belonging. Open to all students -not only those who identify as LGBTQ+- the clubs cultivate empathy, help students learn across differences, and create joyful community spaces where every child feels welcome.Looking AheadThe rapid growth and deep impact of Pride Liaisons and Rainbow Clubs highlight a powerful truth: when students feel they belong, they thrive. As demand continues to rise, this program is helping build a future where every SFUSD student feels seen, valued, and affirmed—no matter who they are or who they grow up to become.One Pride Liaison shared:“A student who hardlyever speaks gave a speech at our Pride event in front of the whole school, saying how important the freedom to be who you are is and how much two years of Rainbow Club taught them about the worldand themselves.”
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Program ExpansionStudent EngagementImpact & GrowthRainbow Club participation (2023–24): 18–89 students per siteAverage attendance:17 students per club meetingKena Hazelwood, District Coordinator, LGBTQ Student Services: “This is as much about students who hold these identities as it is about creating spaces where our students are excited to learn across differences and learn how to be in community.\"Launch Year: 12schools2022–2319 sites2023–2426 sites2024–2532 sitesPride Liaisons & Rainbow Clubs
20“One student who identifies as gay said that the rainbow club means everything to him because he knows he can be himself there. Also, a group of my 5th grade students came to me and asked how they could start Rainbow Clubs at their middle schools if they don’t exist!”Pride Liaison62%73%51%1009080706050403020All students LGBTstudentsLGBTstudentsAll students LGBTstudentsAll studentsMade fun of because LGBT bullyingof looksmean rumors or lies10059%50%57% 58%70%22%35%53%66%LGBT curriculumNo LGBT curriculumStudents who learn about LGBT issues in the curriculum report less harrasment
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025 Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025As Spark SF Public Schools celebrates ten years of partnership with San Francisco Unified School District, we reflect on the remarkable generosity that continues to transform the lives of our public school students. Among the most inspiring legacies we've received is that of Michiko Okazaki, who was born in Japan on June 5, 1926. Her early life was marked by the trauma of World War II. In her memoir, Enduring Grace, Michiko recalled waking in a cemetery at 4:30 in the morning after being rescued, not knowing who had saved her life but feeling profoundly that she owed someone for her survival.This profound sense of gratitude shaped Michiko's life philosophy. Believing deeply that society's most vulnerable children deserve access to quality PreK-12 education, Michiko left her entire estate to Spark SF Public Schools to benefit SFUSD's Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness (SAFEH) program.\"Ms. Okazaki's legacy is truly inspirational,\" said Mark Reisbaum, Chair of Spark's Board of Directors, \"providing homeless and at-risk students, now and in the future, with the resources they need to help stabilize their housing so they can attend school and learn.\"The impact of gifts like Michiko's extends across the entire district. Currently, SAFEH serves over 3,200 students across all grade levels. These young people face extraordinary barriers simply to access education, yet they continue to show remarkable resilience. In the 2024-25 school year, SAFEH students achieved a 93.4% promotion and graduation rate,demonstrating that with proper support, housing instability does not have to derail academic success.A Legacy of Hope for Vulnerable Students:How One Gift Continues to Transform Lives
22Students receiving breakfastin school increased from17% to 65%Through a dedicated Coordinated Care Team of school social workers and wellness coordinators, the program connects families to critical resources including rental assistance, emergency housing support, food access, transportation, clothing and uniforms, school books, supplies, and backpacks. This year alone, the SAFEH team processed 654 resource requests and met with staff at 53 schools to coordinate support. The program alsopioneered Youth Clipper Cards to help students travel across county lines to remain in their school of origin—a fundamental educational right protected under federal law. SAFEH staff coordinates the distribution of school supplies, transportation support, and other resources with staff at multiple sites to increase students and families accessibility, and to improve care coordination between sites.Beyond meeting immediate needs, SAFEH ensures these students can stay enrolled, attend regularly, and access every educational opportunity available to their peers. The program maintains strong partnerships with the City's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, community organizations, and the Stay Over Program, which served 155 unique school families this year across 46 different SFUSD schools. As we mark this milestone anniversary, we honor Michiko Okazaki's enduring gift and the vision of all legacy donors who understand that education is the foundation upon which children build their futures. Their generosity ensures that every child in San Francisco has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025In May 2025, Spark marked a major milestone with Our City, Our Schools, a powerful gala celebrating 10 years of impact in support of San Francisco’s public schools. The evening brought together 250 civic leaders, educators, philanthropists, and community champions to honor a decade of partnership with SFUSD and tolaunch a bold new era of investment in student success.Held at the Asian Art Museum, the celebration was highlighted by the performances of 41 talented students, including the Lowell Jazz Band, Claire Lilienthal's Korean Immersion Choir, Taiko drummers from the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, and Mission High's Mariachi Los Osos. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie joined the program on stage, speaking movingly about the city’s responsibility to support its public schools. The audience heard firsthand from inspiring educator-student pairs whose stories reflected the transformative power of Spark’s investments:Erik Rice and Andres Melo Moreno, a senior at Independence High School, shared their experience with the “Mission Bay Hub” initiative.Ainye Long, alongside Wesley Brooks III, a sophomore at Lowell High School, highlighted the “Black Star Rising” program.Kindergarten teacher Georgina Cruz-Martinez and her student Victoria Sanchez gave the audience a glimpse into their classroom’s literacy journey through a powerful video segment.raised to support Spark’s literacy campaign - Ready, Set, Read!$200k+
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26of ImpactSpark's decade of impact with SFUSD is, at its heart, a story of shared commitment — a partnership with visionary leaders across San Francisco’s business and philanthropic communities who believe deeply in thriving public schools. These are leaders who recognize both the urgency of the need and the promise of what’s possible through sustained investment: the kind of innovative, systems-level progress that emerges when philanthropy and public education work together.26
Spark Annual Report | 2024-202550,000+students supported annually since 201582school cafeteriasredesigned improving the student experience400aspiring teachers supported through teacher credentialing programsA Decade of Impact 100%increase in the number of girls taking computer science coursesThanks to our donors, since 2015, Spark has raised over $154.3m to amplify SFUSD’s most critical student initiatives.
28Universal accessto Computer Science courses400%+increase in the number of high school students participating in paid SFUSD internships$16.3mraised for COVID relief, supporting 7.3Mmeals served / 48,000 devices distributed2,000homeless and at-risk students and their families supported annuallyOverstudents with access to mental health services8,500Mental Health Wellness Centers establishedin all Middle Schools providingstudents withaccess to mental health services200%increase in breakfast and lunch participation
Spark Annual Report | 2024-202510YEARSA conversation with Hydra Mendoza, Architect of a 13-year Transformational Partnership with Salesforce FoundationSalesforce FoundationHydra Mendoza has been at the heart of San Francisco's education landscape for over two decades as a former SFUSD school board member, Mayor Gavin Newsom's education advisor, and now as a leader at Salesforce overseeing the company's community investments. She was instrumental in brokering and nurturing the partnership between Salesforce and SFUSD that has delivered more than $80 million to San Francisco's public schools over thirteen years. As Spark celebrates its ten-year anniversary, Hydra reflects on what it takes to build a partnership that lasts, why investing in the district itself matters, and what this work means for the future of San Francisco.Advancing Excellence in Teaching and Learning
3010YEARSA conversation with Hydra Mendoza, Architect of a 13-year Transformational Partnership with Salesforce FoundationSalesforce FoundationInterviewer: Hydra, Salesforce has been a partner to SFUSD for more than thirteen years and has invested over $80 million in the district. As Spark marks ten years, we're reflecting on what long-term partnerships make possible. As the architect of the Salesforce–SFUSD STEM Leadership Initiative, what was your original vision for this partnership?Hydra Mendoza: The vision really began when Gavin Newsom became mayor and brought me on as his education advisor. Historically, the city and the school district operated in separate worlds, the city with no jurisdiction over the district, and the district left to navigate its own challenges. But we believed San Francisco would be stronger if we saw the school district not as a liability, but as one of the city’s most important assets.Everything the district does touches the city from housing, safety, the economy, to workforce development. We’re raising the future residents and leaders of San Francisco. So the question became: How do we align the city, the district, and key partners to support student success?Years of building trust between city leaders and the district made it possible for Salesforce to come in as a true partner. When Mayor Ed Lee, Marc Benioff, and I were all aligned, the stars really did align. Salesforce didn’t just want to donate, they wanted to collaborate, meaningfully and long-term.Interviewer: In the early years, Salesforce started with technology investments like iPads. How did the partnership evolve into something much deeper?Mendoza: Like many funders, Salesforce initially focused on tools: “Let’s get iPads into classrooms.” But we pushed ourselves to ask: What are students actually learning with this technology? That led us into curriculum, teaching, coaching, and ultimately a systemwide redesign of the middle grades.Middle school became the focus because we knew it was a critical turning point. Students decide whether they feel prepared for high school, and for their future, during those years. Investing in math coaches, STEM, computer science, and innovation at every middle school allowed us to move the entire system, not just pockets of it. That’s how real change happens.Interviewer: Many funders are hesitant to invest directly in school districts. What opportunity does Salesforce see that others miss?Mendoza: Most funders worry about bureaucracy or inconsistency. They want to fund three schools, not a whole district. But three schools don’t change a system.Salesforce saw the opportunity to invest in districtwide infrastructure, systems, and long-term planning. When you commit to an entire district,leaders can align budgets, staffing, and strategy around something stable and predictable.And importantly, Salesforce didn’t abandon the district during tough times. A lot of funders step back when things get messy. We stayed because the work is for kids, not adults. That consistency, trust, and accountability can be rare in philanthropy.Interviewer: With so many tech companies in San Francisco, what opportunity do you think they’re missing?Mendoza: There’s enormous potential for tech as well as finance, biotech, and others to partner with SFUSD. Companies often think of engagement in terms of volunteer projects or beautification. That’s nice, but it doesn’t move the needle.What does move the needle is investing in the educational ecosystem: curriculum, teacher support, student pathways, and job readiness. Companies should think of the public school system as part of their workforce pipeline, part of their community, part of their long-term investment in San Francisco.When the city thrives, business thrives. Public education is central to that.Advancing Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Interviewer: Salesforce has also helped the district prepare students for careers of the future. How do you see that work evolving?Mendoza: The advantage is that Salesforce is part of the rapid changes shaping the future, AI, workforce transformation, upskilling. That means we can help the district anticipate what’s coming next.There’s a misconception that AI will eliminate jobs. The truth is: the people who know how to use AI will take the jobs of those who don’t. We have a responsibility to ensure students understand AI ethically and practically. Not when they enter the workforce, but now.Interviewer: What motivates Salesforce to stay committed when so many funders move on?Mendoza: Transparency, communication, and trust. SFUSD doesn’t let us wonder where our dollars go. We hear about successes and challenges. We problem-solve together.And then there’s the commitment from Marc Benioff. He’s deeply engaged. He actually shows up when we announce our grants at schools, meeting principals, understanding the work firsthand. Not many Fortune 500 CEOs do that.But ultimately, we stay because students deserve it. For us, this partnership isn’t about charity. It’s about responsibility. Marc often says the commitment is “in perpetuity”, and he means it.Interviewer: Finally, as Spark celebrates its tenth anniversary, any message you’d like to share?Mendoza: Congratulations! Truly. Spark was once just an idea, and now it’s essential. Having a trusted nonprofit partner allows the district to bring in resources that might not come directly to SFUSD.Spark has made it easier for funders to invest with confidence, and that has transformed what’s possible for our schools. My hope is that more companies recognize Spark not as a place for “feel-good” donations, but as a strategic investment in the future of San Francisco.Leadership matters, partnership matters, and Spark is positioned to help bring even more people into this work. I’m excited for what’s next.“You don't see funders stick with you for thirteen years at the level we've stuck with, and continue to supplement and accommodate and be flexible and agile when the school district needs us to be that. So I'm really proud of this partnership.”Hydra MendozaThrough Salesforce’s over-a-decade investment into SFUSD, we have seen incredible impact, including:• 3x increase in the number of students passing the AP Computer Science exam• 2x girls in computer science courses• Universal access to computer science curriculum
3200“I think there's a huge opportunity for not only the tech industry, but finance and sciences and others to contribute to the school district, to make it better and to really go in and find the mutual space for the company and the school district.”Hydra Mendoza“
Spark Annual Report | 2024-202510YEARS\"Transforming the Dining Experience\" with founder Sara MorishigeKodama FoundationFor more than a decade, the Kodama Foundation has stood alongside Spark and SFUSD as a trusted partner, helping elevate student nutrition into an expression of dignity, belonging, and care across San Francisco’s public schools.Serving The Whole Child
3410YEARSWhy did you and the Kodama Foundation commit to investing in student nutrition in public schools? How did this work begin — and why student nutrition?This work began with a very simple realization: you can’t separate nutrition from learning, dignity, or equity.When I first encountered SFUSD’s student meal system more than a decade ago, the scale of need was unmistakable. SFUSD serves over 50,000 students across an incredibly diverse city — linguistically, culturally, economically. Many students were navigating food insecurity, housing instability, and systemic inequities that showed up every day in the cafeteria.I was drawn to student nutrition because it sits at the intersection of health, equity, education, and belonging. It’s one of the few investments that has an immediate and compounding impact: when students eat well, attendance improves, behavior stabilizes, learning deepens, and kids feel cared for.The Kodama Foundation entered this work not to “fix” school food, but to help the district imagine what was possible. That’s what led to the early partnership with SFUSD and IDEO in 2013 — centering student voices and design thinking to reimagine the dining experience from the ground up. From the beginning, this was about systems change, not a single program.Looking back over 10 years — did you envision this? What has surprised you most?The truth is, none of us could have predicted the scale or depth of what would unfold.What started as a design project becamea decade-long transformation: 82 cafeterias redesigned, more than 42,000 students reached, and a cultural shift in how school food is valued across the district.One of the biggest surprises has been just how powerful environment is. We knew food quality mattered, but we learned that space communicates care. When cafeterias became bright, welcoming, and student-designed, participation increased, stigma fell away, and students felt a sense of ownership and pride. Kids said it felt like college — like they were being taken seriously.And perhaps most unexpectedly, student voice proved transformative at every level — from menu decisions to policy shifts. When students are treated as co-designers, the system responds in smarter, more relevant ways.Many funders hesitate to invest directly in school districts. What does Kodama see that others might be missing? What makes this work so important right now?We understand the hesitation. Public systems are complex, highly regulated, and slow to change. But that’s exactly why they matter.\"Transforming the Dining Experience\" with founder Sara MorishigeKodama FoundationServing The Whole Child
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025What some funders miss is that public school districts are where equity actually lives or fails. No pilot program or nonprofit initiative can replicate the reach of a system that feeds tens of thousands of students every day — especially the students with the fewest alternatives.SFUSD is serving students who face profound challenges: poverty, homelessness, language barriers, special education needs. At the same time, the district has demonstrated something rare — a sustained commitment to learning, adapting, and changing how the system works.Kodama stays in this work because real change takes time, trust, and partnership. The opportunity here isn’t just improving meals; it’s reshaping a system that touches families daily. Early philanthropic investment helped build internal capacity, unlock public bond funding, and create a model that could scale far beyond the original sites.To other funders, we would say: don’t underestimate public systems. When districts have vision, leadership, and long-term partners, the return on investment — socially, educationally,and culturally — is extraordinary.After more than a decade, what are you most proud of in the partnership with Spark and SFUSD?What we’re most proud of is not any single program, but the durability of the change.We’re proud that student voice is now embedded in how SFUSD approaches food — through cafeteria design, menu development, and advisory councils. We’re proud that dining spaces across the city now reflect dignity, culture, and joy, especially in communities that have historically been underinvested in.We’re proud that early philanthropic dollars helped the district build internal teams and processes that made large-scale public investment possible. And we’re proud that this work has endured through leadership transitions, budget shifts, and even a pandemic.Most of all, we’re proud that school food is no longer treated as an afterthought, but as a meaningful part of the educational ecosystem.How has this partnership helped shift systems, beyond individual schools or programs?This work changed how the district thinks about school food at a systems level. It introduced studentcentered design as a core practice. It strengthened cross-department collaboration between nutrition services, facilities, custodial teams, procurement, and school leadership. It helped align philanthropic, public, and federal funding toward a shared vision.It also demonstrated that early private investment can de-risk innovation, allowing public funding to scale what works. The result is not just better cafeterias, but a district better equipped to plan, measure, and sustain change over time.with redesigned cafeterias, reaching 85% of all SFUSD students82schoolsSFUSD serves overacross school sites.40,000meals per day
36How does this work contribute to a brighter future for students, families, and the city?Because food is never just food.School meals are daily moments of care. They shape how students experience belonging, how families trust institutions, and how communities gather. When done well, they support health, reduce stress, and create shared rituals that bind people together.This partnership is helping build a future where students start their day nourished, feel welcomed in their schools, and experience public systems as something that works for them. It strengthens families, supports educators, and reflects San Francisco’s values — diversity, creativity, and care.Is there anything important we haven’t asked — or what’s next for Kodama’s work with SFUSD?First, the work isn’t finished. There are still cafeterias to redesign, kitchens to modernize, and infrastructure investments needed to bring high-quality cooking to every school.Second, the next phase is about permanence — ensuring these changes are embedded deeply enough that they last. That student voice remains central. That dignity remains non-negotiable. That school food continues to be seen as essential to learning and wellbeing.The Kodama Foundation remains committed because this work shows what’s possible when public systems are trusted, supported, and given time to evolve. SFUSD’s story isn’t just a local success — it’s a model for what school food can be nationwide.Number of students receiving breakfast in school increased by24,000students *as of 2024
Spark Annual Report | 2024-202510YEARSGolden State Community FoundationA Conversation with Nicole Lacob, Board President, Golden State Community FoundationSince 2015, the Foundation has invested over $1 million through Spark in support of SFUSD’s African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative (AAALI). This sustained partnership reflects a shared belief: that strengthening public education strengthens entire communities. We spoke with Nicole Lacob about the Golden State Community Foundation's long-term investment in education equity and public schools.Uplifiting Equity
3810YEARSGolden State Community FoundationGolden State Community Foundation has been a partner in San Francisco public schools for over a decade. What originally drew you—and the Foundation—to invest in public education, and what has sustained that commitment over time?Public education has always mattered to me, even before I stepped into this role. I was a public school teacher, and throughout my life I saw firsthand how schools can be a stabilizing force for young people and families. That experience shaped how I think about opportunity and access.When we created the Foundation, education felt like the most meaningful place to focus. I’ve long believed that education is one of the most effective ways to combat poverty and create long-term opportunity, not just for one student, but for families and communities.What has sustained that commitment is seeing the impact of showing up year after year. Over more than a decade, and now surpassing $50 million in cumulative impact, we’ve learned that consistency matters. When schools and partners know you’re invested for the long term, trust deepens, the work evolves, and the outcomes become more meaningful.Investments in priority SFUSD initiatives like the African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative demonstrate how targeted philanthropy can drive system-wide impact. What have you learned from supporting this work about what it takes to move the needle for students at scale?What I’ve learned is that impact doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from staying focused and being consistent. In K-12 systems especially, progress happens when efforts are aligned over time, rather than spread across disconnected programs.Supporting this work has reinforced how important it is to invest early and stay engaged. That’s why our Foundation has focused on long-term K-12 investments, including our annual flagship support of SFUSD and OUSD and early literacy initiatives like Read To Achieve. These investments help create strong academic and emotional foundations that support students throughout their school experience.It’s also shown us how critical partnership is. Educators, school leaders, and communities closest to the work understand what students need, often before anyone else does. When you listen, stay flexible, and commit for the long term, that’s when system-level progress becomes possible.A Conversation with Nicole Lacob, Board President, Golden State Community FoundationUplifiting Equity
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025
40As Chair of Golden State Community Foundation and a leader connected to sports, business, and philanthropy, how do you think about the unique role these sectors can play in strengthening public schools—and why does that role matter now more than ever?Sports, business, and philanthropy each play a distinct role in strengthening public schools, and together they can reinforce the work schools are already doing. Sports brings visibility, connection, and a sense of shared community, while business can help bridge education and real-world opportunity. Philanthropy plays an important role in creating space for long-term thinking. That’s why we established Generation Thrive, to support educators, coaches, and nonprofit leaders with resources, wellness, and professional development, recognizing that when the adults supporting students are strengthened, students benefit as well. We also see this cross-sector collaboration through programs like Hoops 4 Kids and Free Throws for Futures, which bring corporate partners directly into the work of supporting youth and schools.This role matters now more than ever because public schools are being asked to do so much. When these sectors show up as true partners, consistently and with shared responsibility, they help create the conditions that allow students and educators to thriveLooking ahead to the next decade, what would you hope more leaders across sports, business, and the private sector understand about the opportunity—and responsibility—to show up for public schools and the students they serve?There’s a real opportunity for leaders to bring more than resources into this space, which includes time, perspective, and access. Whether through mentorship, workforce pathways, or simply standing alongside educators and students, that presence matters.The young people in our public schools today will shape the future of our city. If we want that future to be strong and inclusive, we all have a role to play in supporting them.\"I hope more leaders recognize that supporting public education isn’t just philanthropy, it’s an investment in the long-term health of our communities. And it’s not only about funding. It’s about showing up consistently, building relationships, and staying engaged even when the work is complex.\"
Spark Annual Report | 2024-202510YEARSFrom Vision to Reality at Herbert Hoover Middle SchoolWhen Herbert Hoover Middle Schools Wellness Center first opened, it marked a fundamental shift in how the school supports student wellbeing. What began as a shared space in the counseling office has evolved into a thriving hub where students learn to advocate for themselves and access the support they need.Building Wellness
4210YEARSFrom Vision to Reality at Herbert Hoover Middle SchoolIn the early days, wellness services operated within the counseling office—a high-traffic area for disciplinary matters and schedule changes. \"We got pulled in so many different directions... it wasn't protected,\" recalls Social Worker Thary Duong. Environment change proved essential. \"I was sitting right next to the dean. I would tell kids, 'you're not in trouble when you come to see me,' but there was visceral reaction to coming to the counseling office.\"The dedicated space changed everything. Students develop self-awareness and self-advocacy skills to access it, guided & supported structures prevent misuse, and the environment—calm, equipped with resources from bandaids to fidgets to aromatherapy—signals safety. \"When you come in, there's supports that you can pick from... it sets the tone. This is a space for you,\" says Duong.The impact extends beyond individual visits. Teachers report students return to class regulated and ready to learn. One teacher noted the transformation: \"Students asking for breaks and using it appropriately and then coming back and being able to refocus and do their work... That's an important skill that it teaches them—the autonomy to choose when they need a break, or choose when to stay and choose to go back to class.\"What makes Hoover's wellness center work isn't just the physical space or funding—it's the web of relationships and trust woven throughout the school community. \"We are holding our own humanity at the center,\" reflects Assistant Principal Julia Coffa. \"We are holding each other's humanity at the center, valuing the people, the relationships, the relational trust.\"
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025
44This collaborative foundation extends from wellness staff to classroom teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators.Across SFUSD's 16 middle school wellness centers, this approach has a measurable impact. In 2024-25 alone, wellness center teams provided 56,010 unique services—from direct therapy and case management to health screenings and referrals. But these numbers only tell part of the story…the real measure of success lives in the eighth grader who knows where to go when emotions escalate, the teachers who can count on reliable support, and the school community that has built wellness into the very rhythm of its day.unique mental health services provided in 2024-25 to SFUSD middle grade students56,000+
Spark Annual Report | 2024-202510YEARSSuperintendent'sScholarship AwardsEvery year, Spark SF Public Schools is proud to support the SFUSD Superintendent's 21st Century Scholarship Awards, honouring six exemplary graduating seniors with scholarship funding for college.
4610YEARSSuperintendent'sScholarship Awards
Spark Annual Report | 2024-2025Jazmine Guzman Un Ieng Sit Tashi Gotlieb Joanne Yen Carlos Huang Zainab WisniewskiClass of 2022Jiepeng Jackson Deng Irina Tamayo Kayvan Zahiri Lana Nguyen Caleb Parker Romaissa Khaldi Class of 2021Congratulations to our scholars
48Kimberly NguyenImani CliftonRonald ClarosTyler ChoiAmy LiCharlize BecerraFredy Denilson VasquezColten HithcockAndres Melo MorenoHannah ChikereGilberto Silva CortesDa_Liah BlazerStephanie LiangBanyar HtutMirae Kreutzer JooSebastian CordovezJoshua MayorgaTuan Khiem PhamClass of 2023Class of 2024Class of 2025Congratulations to our scholars
Spark Annual Report | 2024-202510YEARSBuilding the Next DecadeIn our first decade, we demonstrated what’s possible when philanthropy amplifies the best of our public school system. The next decade calls us to scale that impact.