SFUSD board approves new Head of Communications and Governance position and contracts Hongmei Peng amid budget concerns

The San Francisco Board of Education voted to create a new Head of Communications and Governance position and approved an employment contract for Hongmei Peng, the superintendent announced, after extensive public comment and debate about the district’s finances and priorities.

Superintendent Maria Su told the board the position is intended to strengthen community engagement, external partnerships and board support and said it will be “budget neutral.” “I want to make it clear that this position will not increase the number of staff in the superintendent’s office nor will it increase the budget in the superintendent’s office,” Su said during the discussion. Su said the role will also supervise board office staff and help build relationships with city, state, federal and philanthropic partners to bring money and services into classrooms.

The board approved the new position in a roll-call vote described in the meeting as 6 ayes; the employment contract for the selected candidate, Hongmei Peng, passed later by a 7‑aye roll call. The contract term read into the record begins Jan. 29, 2025, and runs through June 30, 2026. Assistant officials said the salary is Grade 7 Step 4 on the district management salary schedule — $220,841 annually — and that the contract contains a six‑month buyout provision if the district ends the agreement early.

Why it matters: The district is projecting large budget shortfalls and has warned of potential…