Vicki Symonds Announces Departure From PPS-SF

Vicki Symonds began her tenure at Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco in 2007 as an enrollment program manager. She had no idea that her role would expand and grow over the years into a publicly-recognized champion of the organization.

Ten years later, Vicki's colleagues and friends look back with admiration on the incredible support for public schools achieved during Vicki's tenure.

In her time at PPS-SF, Vicki Symonds served as enrollment program manager, communications and operations manager, and director of finance and operations, effectively having a hand in most aspects of PPS-SF.

"It is with mixed feelings that I am leaving. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated, passionate, and hard working parents and staff members for over 10 years. I am so proud of all the work that we have done and the struggles we have faced together," says Vicki. 

Known and beloved as one of the more public faces of PPS-SF, Vicki has led the organization through changes that have mirrored shifts in local and national education. School funding crises, district leadership transitions, and gentrifying local schools: she has seen it all. 

Her many accomplishments include the expansion and refinement of the enrollment program, which has helped thousands of parents understand SFUSD school enrollment. Vicki has strengthened bonds between families and schools across the district, and she has established partnerships with countless community organizations and funders. 

"I remember my first enrollment presentation like it was yesterday and since then the many different roles and the people I have met within this wonderful organization.  But all chapters must come to an end and I feel it is my time to leave. I will miss you all," says Vicki.

Present and former colleagues know Vicki as the go-to person at the heart of the organization and a key possessor of institutional memory.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Vicki at PPS in many ways over the last 10 years: as a volunteer, as a board member, and twice as interim executive director. Her dedication to the organization is admirable, and I have learned a great deal from her over the years," says Annie Bauccio, interim executive director of PPS-SF. 

Vicki Symonds' last day is April 30, 2017. Her passion and dedication for our public schools will be missed by everyone.