Board approves new Head of Communications and Governance amid budget concerns

The San Francisco Board of Education on Jan. 14 voted to create a Head of Communications and Governance position and approved an employment contract for Hongmei Peng to fill the role, a move the superintendent said is budget-neutral but that drew vocal opposition from some commissioners, student delegates and public commenters concerned about classroom staffing and fiscal priorities.

Superintendent Maria Hsu said the new position will “support our governance work by creating better alignment across multiple touch points within and outside the district,” and that the district would fund the role with “unspent funds from vacant positions that are currently in the superintendent’s office,” so the hire would not “increase the number of staff in the superintendent’s office nor will it increase the budget in the superintendent’s office.”

The vote followed extensive public comment and questions from board members about process, transparency and how the position will produce near‑term benefits for classrooms. Student Delegate Lam told the board she opposed the hire in light of staffing shortages: “What about the over 48,000 students across the district who are left without teachers? … We’re currently in a budget deficit, and yet we’re putting money into a position that could be used towards student needs.”

Why it matters: District leaders said the post combines external affairs, community engagement and governance support to strengthen relationships with city, state and philanthropic partners and to improve communications with families during a period of fiscal stress and program changes. Supporters said the role could accelerate fundraising and intergovernmental work that brings resources into classrooms; opponents said immediate classroom needs and potential layoffs should take priority over adding an executive-level post.

What the job is and how it was filled The board approved a grade 7, step 4 management position after a publicly posted recruitment. Associate Superintendent Amy Baer said the posting drew four applicants, three met minimum qualifications and two finalists advanced to a second round; the superintendent selected the finalist. The employment contract approved by the board sets the term from Jan. 29, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and places the salary at grade 7 step 4 on the district’s management schedule ($220,841 annually). The contract includes benefits consistent with other management employees and a six‑month buyout clause in case of release.

Superintendent Hsu emphasized the position’s dual focus: day‑to‑day communications and deeper “governance” work to coordinate the district’s relationships with local, state and federal agencies and philanthropic partners. She said that, because the selected candidate has prior SFUSD experience and existing relationships across city agencies, the person could ramp up quickly and begin seeking additional funding and policy support for the district.

Board debate and votes Commissioner Gabriela Fisher said she appreciated the superintendent’s assurances about budget neutrality but asked for clearer deliverables tying the role to the district’s guardrails on community engagement and intergovernmental collaboration. Commissioner Supriya Ray voted against creating the position and later recorded a “no” on the position vote while explaining concerns about timing and transparency. Student Delegate Montgomery and Student Delegate Lam both registered public opposition during the meeting.

Multiple public speakers opposed the hire on fiscal and equity grounds. Jeri Almansa, identified as UESF treasurer and a longtime educator, urged the board not to approve “a new position that is at a $275,000 position” given classroom staffing shortages and the district’s fiscal watch status. Brandy Markman said the hire resembled “cronyism” and urged the board to “vote no on this appointment.” Supporters including Rex Ridgeway and several community members told the board the selected candidate has prior experience and relationships that could help schools.

Votes at a glance - Creation of Head of Communications and Governance (position grade 7): Passed (6 ayes, 1 no as recorded in roll call). The superintendent stated the position will be paid from unspent superintendent‑office vacancies and not increase the superintendent’s office headcount or budget. (Transcript discussion and passage: Superintendent remarks beginning ~12,500s; roll call vote ~14,481–14,550.) - Employment contract for Hongmei Peng (Jan. 29, 2025–June 30, 2026; Grade 7 Step 4; $220,841; six‑month severance buyout): Approved unanimously by recorded roll call (7 ayes). (Contract read into the record and voted ~14,572–14,976.) - Formation of 2024 Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (Prop A/$790 million authorization): Approved by recorded roll call (7 ayes). (Presentation and vote ~15,007–15,080/15,757.) - Elections at organizational meeting: Phil Kim elected board president and Jamie Huling elected vice president (each 7 ayes). Readoption of board rules and annual ethics/conflict statement were also approved by roll call. Approval of meeting minutes and the consent calendar were passed. (Elections and organizational votes occurred earlier in the meeting ~11,600–11,700 and ~10,900–11,100.)

Context and caveats Board members stressed that the superintendent will present a broader reorganization and budget plan in coming months showing how the superintendent’s office will be restructured and how the new position will be funded in future budgets. The superintendent and staff said they consulted the state fiscal advisor in developing the proposal. Several speakers asked for clearer performance benchmarks for the role and for more transparency about the use of “unspent funds” versus positions on school sites.

Next steps Superintendent Hsu said she will provide additional information about the superintendent’s‑office reorganization and efficiencies in coming months. The new hire is scheduled to start Jan. 29, 2025. The board also authorized formation of the new bond oversight committee and said bylaws for that committee will return to the board for consideration at a later meeting.

Ending The board approved the items and adjourned at 9:27 p.m.