San Marcos Unified School Board Member David Horacek

8-11-08

I am a local business owner who moved my family and successful technology business to San Marcos in 2002. My strong commitment to education and families inspired me in 2004 to run for the San Marcos Unified School District Governing Board. As a Board member for the past four years, I have successfully represented and served the families, students, and tax payers of this community.
My goal has always been to bring a fresh perspective to the Board with a focus on fiscal responsibility and quality education for our district’s children. I draw upon my conservative fiscal experience to ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are allocated effectively.

Academic Achievement
I believe there are two main responsibilities to this position; a strong focus on fiscal accountability and a commitment to increased academic achievement and performance of students district-wide. We must continue to push for high standards in every classroom throughout the district to ensure that SMUSD continues to be the top public school destination in North County. With that said, I believe that a strong focus on doing the right things is the key to continued improvement.

Budget and Fiscal Health
For the 1st time in 24 years, the San Marcos Unified District employee groups are working without a contract. This gives the district an opportunity to work with both bargaining units (union leaders) to develop a new formula which “honors” the work that the district’s employees do each day and also allows the district to put much needed dollars back into the classroom and maintain a fiscally sound budget. The current 4th place employee salary formula may have worked 24 years ago but today it forces the district to spend more taxpayer money each year than the district takes in (deficit spend). In order to make up for the shortfall, the district is now exhausting its reserves, which prohibits the district from allocating new dollars directly to the classrooms.

Facilities and Equitable Learning Environments
ALL STUDENTS attending SMUSD have the right to be housed in clean, attractive, and safe facilities, which research has shown has a direct correlation to increased student achievement. As this new school year begins, we will complete a district-wide modernization plan. Within this district we have several brand new schools with state-of-the-art facilities and several schools that are 40- 50 years old and in desperate need of modernization. Many of the newer schools are better equipped to foster modern learning with contemporary teaching tools and resources (computer labs, smart boards, digital technology, etc). As a district, we have an obligation to provide an equal learning environment for all students.

Technology for Learning and Teaching
In today’s world where technology is an integral part of everyday life, our schools must teach and provide the tools and critical thinking skills necessary to not simply graduate students, but to graduate students who are best prepared to contribute in our complex and global society.

I will need a great deal of financial support in order to continue to serve and succeed. I have not and will not accept money or endorsements from the unions, so that makes this endeavor that much more difficult. If you are happy with the job I have done for you over the past 4 years and want me to continue, please do what you can to help by clicking on the donation button (top right of this page).

If you prefer to send a check please send to:

Elect David Horacek
935 W. San Marcos Blvd.
Suite 201
San Marcos, Ca 92078

If you contribute more than $100 please include your name, address, occupation and employer.

Thank you!

Your servant on the board,

David Horacek



8-11-08 I am a local business owner who moved my family and successful technology business to San Marcos in 2002. My strong commitment to education and families inspired me in 2004 to run for the San Marcos Unified School District Governing Board. As a Board member for the past four years, I have successfully represented and served the families, students, and tax payers of this community. My goal has always been to bring a fresh perspective to the Board with a focus on fiscal responsibility and quality education for our district’s children. I draw upon my conservative fiscal experience to ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are allocated effectively. Academic Achievement I believe there are two main responsibilities to this position; a strong focus on fiscal accountability and a commitment to increased academic achievement and performance of students district-wide. We must continue to push for high standards in every classroom throughout the district to ensure that SMUSD continues to be the top public school destination in North County. With that said, I believe that a strong focus on doing the right things is the key to continued improvement. Budget and Fiscal Health For the 1st time in 24 years, the San Marcos Unified District employee groups are working without a contract. This gives the district an opportunity to work with both bargaining units (union leaders) to develop a new formula which “honors” the work that the district’s employees do each day and also allows the district to put much needed dollars back into the classroom and maintain a fiscally sound budget. The current 4th place employee salary formula may have worked 24 years ago but today it forces the district to spend more taxpayer money each year than the district takes in (deficit spend). In order to make up for the shortfall, the district is now exhausting its reserves, which prohibits the district from allocating new dollars directly to the classrooms. Facilities and Equitable Learning Environments ALL STUDENTS attending SMUSD have the right to be housed in clean, attractive, and safe facilities, which research has shown has a direct correlation to increased student achievement. As this new school year begins, we will complete a district-wide modernization plan. Within this district we have several brand new schools with state-of-the-art facilities and several schools that are 40- 50 years old and in desperate need of modernization. Many of the newer schools are better equipped to foster modern learning with contemporary teaching tools and resources (computer labs, smart boards, digital technology, etc). As a district, we have an obligation to provide an equal learning environment for all students. Technology for Learning and Teaching In today’s world where technology is an integral part of everyday life, our schools must teach and provide the tools and critical thinking skills necessary to not simply graduate students, but to graduate students who are best prepared to contribute in our complex and global society. I will need a great deal of financial support in order to continue to serve and succeed. I have not and will not accept money or endorsements from the unions, so that makes this endeavor that much more difficult. If you are happy with the job I have done for you over the past 4 years and want me to continue, please do what you can to help by clicking on the donation button (top right of this page). If you prefer to send a check please send to: Elect David Horacek 935 W. San Marcos Blvd. Suite 201 San Marcos, Ca 92078 If you contribute more than $100 please include your name, address, occupation and employer. Thank you! Your servant on the board, David Horacek	Conribution Disclosure David Horacek Biography david@dhoracek.com In the News 8-18 Schools scramble as tougher times hit 8-16 REGION: Schools look at ways to pay for retirement benefits 5-24 Shrinking reserve pressing concern for school board 4-24 SMUSD invests in 'Partnership for Success' coordinator 4-16 San Marcos school board tours High Tech High 1-24 Holt to lead school district 1-23 SMUSD appoints new leader 1-9 Conservation efforts begin at Oleander school site 12-11 Garrett and Jenkins sworn in to San Marcos Unified Board 11-15 San Marcos board members ready to move forward; goal is to refocus on students 10-31 SMUSD board member demands grand jury investigation over Brand's resignation
The foundation of every state is the education of its youth. - Diogenes Laertius Paid for by ELECT DAVID HORACEK (FPPC# 1271276)