Slappy wrote on Feb 27, 2008 6:00 AM:How come we as a nation cannot afford to pay our educators? yet we consistently make millionaires out of rappers, or some person that can throw or catch a ball, perhaps our priorities are off a bit.

teacher wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:02 AM:Horacek needs to get off the teacher bashing. The district still has at least a 15% reserve. The only parts of it that have been burned through have to do with opening new schools. The contract formula actually saves the district money which is part of why SMUSD has a big reserve and other local districts don't.

R-E-C- wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:25 AM:E-S-S-I-O-N, come on boys and girls all together now, whats that spell? RECESSION!!!! Yeeaahhh! Thank you Democrats and Republicans!

response to Slappy wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:48 AM:Well Slappy, it's really this simple. And I don't like it either, but this is America and that's how it is. The reason professional sports players make much much more is because very few can do that job. Unfortunately, having extreme baseball skills is far more rare than one having the ability to teach, which is why that skill-set is paid far more. Think about it. Most anyone can become a teacher - VERY FEW can become a major league ball player. That, in itself, is the reason we pay them way more. Also, the entertainment industry has always been the most lucrative industry in this country hands down. I know it stinks, but that's the way it is.

Ray wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:55 AM:...and much more millions to foreign wars

Craig wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:02 AM:Be sure to send a Thank You note to all our legislators in Sacramento. Maybe if they weren't so inclined to spend more than we take in it never would have come to this.

Nutz wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:17 AM:No surprise that I don't read of a single administrator position being cut - or reducing their salaries to contribute to the savings needed. Regarding the busing, if the district didn't provide this service free to most of the kids being bused it might be feasible that it pay for itself. Instead the district waives the costs for "financially challenged" families, which usually means those with parents that can't afford to pay because of their "legal" status, if you know what I mean>

sdfan760 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:03 AM:"Had we not burned through the rainy day reserve over the past several years to accommodate the union contracts, we would be better prepared to weather this storm."


Is Horacek for real? A 16% reserve is burning through it? What is that guy on? Is he just anti-teacher or is he anti-schools? How did he ever get elected to the school board?

Negotiating with the union via the press seems like a terrible idea if I ever heard one!

Horacek has to go!

not MY friends wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:03 AM:From the list presented last night, it seems like the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents protect their friends more than they do the budget. How come the "Director, Instructional Leadership & Development" was not affected? Because she is a FRIEND of Kevin and Gina(Supt and Asst Supt)?

What is going to happen to the PACE Promise without a Coordinator? Is this the kind of dedication SMUSD shows for the program? ...Isn't that the reason why the last Superintendent was fired?

sdfan760 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:08 AM:Horacek is out of his mind! A 16% reserve is burning through it. Is this guy anti-teacher or anti-schools? How did he ever get elected to this position? San Marcos voters have to vote him out the next time his seat comes up.

Show me the money? wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:57 AM:What will happen with the SIX MILLION that the Leichtag foundation gave to SMUSD for PACE Promise? Will the Leichtags take their money back like the Stendruds now that there will be no coordinator? ...So much for making educated decisions! Being at the meeting last night with NO REAL QUESTIONS by the board. Seems like "Back Room Deals" had already been done.

Linda wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:59 AM:To Nutz- As for the transportation department getting the "free transportation" is a heck of a problem. Get informed, the way parents are treated is less than desirable. I have seen it. And please don't mix "legal" status here.

PACE Program- Newly created and newly closed? The coordinator is a person who really cares about students and runs around here and there encouraging students to continue going to college. I completely disagree with this cut.

Have you seen how much money the district pays in catering alone?

Discovery Parent wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:07 AM:to SDfan

how is $9 million in reserves 15% of a $140 million budget. and if in fact they use another $3 or $4 million to cover the deficit that leaves at best $7 million. you should check your math!

...my SIX figure salary?...DON'T TOUCH IT! wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:12 AM:It's a real shame Administrators are NOT being part of the solution. Don't you think that even reducing all six figure salaries of ALL administrators for even a year could save a good ...A MILLION DOLLARS? But of course, that would just be out of the question, because THEY are the ones making the suggestions and cuts. Shame on YOU Administrators.

Response to Nutz wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:20 AM:Nutz, Apparently you didn't see that they released an AP from Mission Hills High School, an Elementary AP, and three Director positions at the D.O. Get you complaints right or you just look like an uneducated whiner.
And for the other comments about PACE, the program will still continue. Employees (and yes, administrators) who beleive in the program hae already volunteered, and Mr. Singh is still in charge of it.

SEH Parent wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:20 AM:Teacher basher? I don�t see anything here or last night that indicates Horacek did anything but defend the Teacher and other staff that will lose their jobs. The union sat in that room last night (I was there) watching teachers and bus driver and others fight for their jobs. While sitting on a pot of $2.9 million. I�m sorry but it seems to me that money could save allot of jobs. This greedy union will deploy any tactic they can to deflect attention away from them. The voters of San Marcos need more people with the guts Horacek displayed last night by saying what most of us are thinking. Thank you Mr. Horacek

to SD fan760 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:37 AM:120 people will lose their jobs and the union is sitting on $2.9 million, how many jobs would $2.9 million save? Sorry you poor new teachers and aids, bus drivers, counselors, night custodians, nurses, groundskeepers, high school librarians, a psychologist lost your jobs but we need to hold on to this $2.9 million to protect our contract. I am sure that the rank and file teacher would be happy to pitch in if they knew it would save their friends job? I think it time for the teacher to replace their Union leaders.

Mike wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:53 AM:Save the real anger for where it truly belongs - at the state level. We the voters have constantly stated that education is a priority, yet California's funding, if the projected cuts go through, will drop from 46th per capita to 49th per capita. How does this make education a priority?

TO: Response to Nutz wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:53 AM:It seems like there YOU are an administrator. Let's see, 1 AP from MHHS (Mr. Singh's Previous job), Elementary AP (Probably one who's not a friend of Kevin or Gina) Three Directors (1 is Mr Singh, 2 NOT Friends of Kevin or Gina). Once the Coordinator is out, would he be doing two jobs? I don't think so. It's just a political game that the Board and the Administrators in this District are playing. It's WHO YOU KNOW, NOT WHAT CAN YOU DO!

Just curious wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:58 AM:Why is no one willing to discuss cutting high school athletics? How much money could be saved by eliminating football, basketball, soccer, track, baseball, etc. Take this away from the schools and make them ALL club sports. Or is athletics more important then literacy?

sdfan760 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:09 AM:not my fried

The Director of Instructional Development seems rather incompetent and easily could have been replaced by someone with more knowledge and lower pay. Too eliminate the PACE promise coordinator seems like a terrible decision.


Middle school athletics cost 130k and they are gone? Might as well send these kids straight to the games and take away all school based incentives for doing well!

sdfan760 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:16 AM:Horacek is the only board member whose children did not attend SM schools. It's not a coincedence he is the voice of anti-teacher.

The 15% reserve is a number that CTA provides based upon actual state figures. The district can "tweek" these to serve whatever purpose they see fit.

so DISCOVERY PARENT it seems like they were able to fool you when you should be supporting the students and teahcers, not the administrators.

RWC wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:37 AM:Why cut education. Governor should be cutting hand outs to those who don't work or are illegally here.

Take Away HS athletics wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:54 AM:What a joke! Kids need a reason to go to crummy class and the way schools are ran these days sports is all thats getting them there!. Athletes are required to pass their classes. How about lowering administrators pay. Cut all that art crap and make band and music privately paid lessons. Teachers are the ones in the classroom dealing with students. Support them!

Hey California wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:12 PM:what is your schools report card compared to the other states?

To: Teacher wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:38 PM:Since when did the Teacher�s Union become so sacrosanct that they their dealings can�t be scrutinized as much as the Board or the Governor? Why is it that any mention of the Teacher�s Union in these situations is immediately spun as anti-teacher/school? All these backroom dealing�s need to be brought out so there is transparency.

SEH parent wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:45 PM:To SD fan760, dude what are you talking about, Horacek has a daughter in my sons class at SEHE, he has another daughter that is heading into Kindergarten next year. What the heck are you smoking? If you would lie about that what else would you lie about? You are the hater, I know him well and have never heard him say anything but good things about the teacher of this district. All you want to do is attach Horacek, what is it that your afraid of? I will say it again, thank you Mr. Horacek, we need people like you on the board that looks at the big picture and cares about the parents, teachers and most importantly our kids. We can see through the lies and we have your back!

Observer wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:51 PM:The true problem of dollars is the legislature geared the state's expentitures to the high return of taxes to the state. With real estate going down the tubes and lower sales taxes plus other items; expenditures outstrip income. Poor budgeting! I'm glad to note other school districts are encountering a problem with unions; VUSD isn't the only one. How one develops cash when there is none, as the union suggests, is a mystery to me.

not the music program wrote on Feb 27, 2008 1:02 PM:Take away HS athletics....the kids in band already have to pay to be in it. The money to pay for music, uniforms ect doesn't come from school budget, it comes from yearly fees the kids have to pay.

No pay no play.

Perhaps we should make it the same for the athletes?

Discover parent wrote on Feb 27, 2008 1:38 PM:to SDFAN760

you believe the rhetoric you get from the CTA, talk about a sucker. Are you saying that all the board members and the district staff and Superintendents are a bunch of liars. I did some quick math so try to stay with me okay: if the budget is $141 million and you say there is 16% in reserves that means there is $22.4 million dollars that the district is sitting on in reserves? If that�s the case we should recall the entire board and fire all of the Superintendents. Hey, let�s take it a step further and have charges brought up on them all for embezzling all these millions of dollars right? Wait better yet lets go after those sneaky auditors that audit the books , there probably in on it to right? Or we could just be be realistic and say if there really was $22.4 million in reserves there would not be 120 pink slips going out and the buses would keep rolling. If you believe the district has 16% in reserves then you are the one that�s being fooled. If there is 22.4 million in reserves I say, �show me the money�!

Lack of leadership in CA wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:05 PM:SDfan, get your facts straight. Horacek has 1 kid in San Elijo Elementary and another one coming up thru the ranks. Also, I was told that the reserve balance was about $9 million. Apparently some $$$'s can't be touched and are put aside for the new school opening, mandated textbooks & staff development as well as the 3% last ditch money that the state forces all districts to set aside. Where do you think cuts should be made? Only the administrators...?! In the private sector, if you only cut support people, you're in big trouble. I think the cuts shouldn't happen at all and I blame our state leadership, past and present. But if something has to be cut, let's keep it as far away from my kid's education as possible.

Discovery Parent wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:10 PM:dear SDfan760

by the way, what parent in this district does not support the kids and the teachers? Let�s be clear, it�s the unions we don�t like. So again you�re wrong and really getting desperate with your pathetic attempt at low blows. You know my stake in this as a parent, what�s yours?

Count 'dem dollars wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:14 PM:We hire\vote these educational leaders into the positions they hold, yet every year we hear how they are forced to cut more positions\classes\programs to meet a budget. As intelligent as they all should be why can't they learn to live within their means? It seems they literally spend every dollar that is handed to them instead of socking a few dimes away for periods such as what we are faced with now. Then they are the ones that are last to be directly impacted when such cuts are made.

To Nutz wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:18 PM:Every school district that has school buses is forced to give free transport to those that can't afford it. It's not a choice, it's a requirement. Free lunch or at a smaller price is also served to those that can't afford it. Not passing judgment here, just telling it like it is.

To Teacher wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:22 PM:Your statement that, "The contract formula actually saves the district money which is part of why SMUSD has a big reserve and other local districts don't" isn't really correct. The reason why San Marcos has a big reserve and other districts don't is that they're still growing in numbers. Take a look around you. How many othersare still growing?

sdfan760 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:48 PM:To SEH Parent

You are correct, but if memory serves me he did not have any students enrolled when he ran for election.

As for your other comments, if you believe Horacek supports teachers and ALL students you don't have a clue.

Ask yourself this, is David looking out for all of SM or just SE? I think we both know the answer to that.

Rock wrote on Feb 27, 2008 3:34 PM:t�s time to trim the fat and, yes, our schools have become obese!
Questions:
1. Why weren�t many of these programs cut last year? They are obviously not needed.
2. Since when is it the school�s job to get the kids to school?
3. How come more administrators were not cut?
4. How come the EL programs appear to be unaffected? They don�t even pay taxes!

Travelin' wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:13 PM:I'm lookin' for an RV, but then I read that the SMUSD was eliminating the busing of students. How much would the district be willing to sell me one of them nice yeller buses they wom\n't be using any more?

Fundraising Needed wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:36 PM:I came from out of state. In our state we had to pay a registration fee for our kids to go to school. With 17,200 students in SMUSD the school could charge a fee of $50 for each child that would raise $860,000. "You get what you pay for" is a saying that comes to mind. If I don't pay anything then I can't expect too much. But if I do pay then I expect something in return.

In exchange for that fee I want my kids to go to school from 8-3 M-F. I don't understand why the kids go to school until 2:10 M,T,Th,F and until 1:10 on Wednesday. I definitely don't feel like my kids are getting the valued education that is being spent per pupil.

Does anyone write grants to help offset some of the costs? There are millions of dollars of grant funding out there but I haven't seen a single report of how a grant has helped this district.

Does anyone take advantage of the Campbell Soup or Box Tops For Education opportunities? Box Tops For Education gives each school a maximum of $20,000. How many K-8 schools are in this district? Add up the math. ...


What about ink cartridge recycling? Any school participate in those projects? That helps bring in money. ...

Speaking of recycling. Does each school have bottle recycling trash cans? I'm sure that could bring in a lot of cash to the district.

Tap into alumni. Colleges and Universities do it all the time. Ask for something small. $10. Can you get even half the alumni to donate $10? If so, think of the money that could be raised. Some of their employers might even match the gift.

Are there alumni who are successful and can afford to donate computers, books, equipment, etc? Find them, get them together, pull the resources together to accomplish the goals of the district.

It is time to get creative. Without a good education how will these kids be the leaders of tomorrow?

To: sdfan760 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:46 PM:Three of the five board members don�t have children in the school district and having a child in the school district is not a requirement to run for the position. What's your point?

BOO HOO wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:56 PM:ALL OF THESE SCHOOL BUDGETS AND HOW MUCH MONEY THEY HAVE STASHED IN INTEREST BEARING ACCOUNTS IS ALWAYS TOP SECRET. THEIR MATH NEVER ADDS UP. EVERYONE WANTS TO BLAME THE UNIONS. MOST UNIONS ARE THERE BECAUSE THEY ARE NEEDED. TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT THESE TOP SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS MAKE AND SHAVE OFF SOME OF THEIR MONEY. TEACHERS MAKE A TIDY SUM FOR NOT WORKING ALL YEAR LONG, BUT THEY TAKE A LOT OF CRAP.
CUT THE HIGH PAID ADMINISTRATORS AND THINGS WILL MOVE ALONG JUST FINE. THAT IS WHERE THE DEAD WEIGHT IS IN EVERY SCHOOL DISTRICT. END THE TRAVEL COMPS, DINNERS, SABBATICALS, AND SEND OUT INFO TO PARENTS IN ONE LANGUAGE. THERE IS HOW TO CUT COSTS. NEED MORE OPENESS FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS. EVERYTHING NEEDS TO QUIT BEING TOP SECRET.

athletes do pay wrote on Feb 27, 2008 5:11 PM:to "not the music program": Student athletes already do pay - Spirit fees, uniforms, transportation passes, etc. Student althletics are just as important as Marching Band.

Ed wrote on Feb 27, 2008 5:17 PM:Don't forget about the $500,000+ we are paying out in severance to the ex-superintendent after the school board voted to force him out. We are essentially DOUBLE paying that position all because the school board and the superintendent couldn't agree on something. How many teachers, janitors, and bus drivers could we keep on the payroll had this fiasco not happened? Of course, the real details will never be known because this was all done in closed door sessions. Who re-elected these same school board members? I voted against all the incumbents after that debacle but they were still re-elected. Go figure! Well, apparently the majority of you voted for them so live with it!

Let�s not forget what got us into this mess in the first place. Too many people are being allowed to walk away from their foreclosed homes and skipping out on their property tax bills without much of a penalty. Not paying your taxes will do a number on any local and state budget.

Discovery Parent wrote on Feb 27, 2008 5:21 PM:dear SDfan760

You are getting more and more desperate, and now I�m starting to feel sorry for you. None the less, yes he (horacek) did have a student enrolled in the district when he ran. And finally how is calling out the union leaders representing just San Elijo Hills? This is/was a brave choice that I believe is a fair representation of all tax payers, teachers, bus drivers, and any other employees in this district and most of all the kids. According to this article your union is sitting on $2.9 million right now, what are they going to do with it? That money could save most of these 120 jobs? All you do is make baseless accusation and when called out you just change the subject and make up more lies.

no blame wrote on Feb 27, 2008 5:36 PM:About fundraising�.many, if not all schools take part in fundraising. From selling wrapping paper to seasonal carnivals. I know schools that recycle cans and bottles and box tops are definitely collected. These however are not consistent sources of revenue. You cannot count on that money coming in to the district to offset costs. To rock�it is not the districts job to get kids to school but each kid in attendance brings in money, every day a student is absent the district loses money. Buses help ensure that students can get to school when parents have jobs or other extenuating circumstances that don�t allow them to drop them off or pick them up. As for the ELL�s, I am tired of people putting blame on them. It is true not all of them may be taxpayers but many of them are. Those students deserve an equal and fair chance to succeed in school. Remember some day these kids will be the voters and leaders in our community. Do we want our kids to go through what we are experiencing now?

SMteacher wrote on Feb 27, 2008 5:36 PM:To Fundraising: Our students DO go to school from 8:15-3:10 every day except Wed. (at 2:10). Every school does all the fundraising possible (sometimes overly so). If every person here has the time to write a comment, please go to the district's website and click on the link for the template to write to our state leaders. We can finger point all day long, but in the end it is the state that is cutting the money. Write and have every person you know write! Also, as a teacher in the district, I have not seen 1 board member yet to ask OUR opinions of what could be cut. Their voice is their own, so don't place the blame of the union on the teachers.
One more note that is worth making. Why do you think the state is in such deficit? Although is not "politically correct", you need to look around at the make-up of our cities. The illegal population has soared in the last ten years. No one is wanting to address this issue, but it has a direct impact on our economy. If the state isn't getting money from taxes, then expect cuts and plenty more to come!

frustration wrote on Feb 27, 2008 5:56 PM:About fundraising�.many, if not all schools take part in fundraising. From selling wrapping paper to seasonal carnivals. I know schools that recycle cans and bottles and box tops are definitely collected. These however are not consistent sources of revenue. You cannot count on that money coming in to the district to offset costs. To rock�it is not the districts job to get kids to school but each kid in attendance brings in money, every day a student is absent the district loses money. Buses help ensure that students can get to school when parents have jobs or other extenuating circumstances that don�t allow them to drop them off or pick them up. As for the ELL�s, I am tired of people putting blame on them. It is true not all of them may be taxpayers but many of them are. Those students deserve an equal and fair chance to succeed in school. Remember some day these kids will be the voters and leaders in our community. Do we want our kids to go through what we are experiencing now?

To Boo Hoo wrote on Feb 27, 2008 6:30 PM:You might try attending school board meetings. Every so often when I've attended, there's been a report on the money in different accounts. Perhaps San Marcos is being open but you're not there to see. I haven't had a chance to check out the audio recording of the meeting on-line but my neighbor has.

sdfan760 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 6:42 PM:I like your math, especially the enormous budget SM has. Your turn to stick with me, Holt proposes 6 million in cuts due to the state cutting programs by 10% Therefore the budget would be closer to 60 million. If the reserve is 9 million that would be your 15%. Your numbers are about as accurate as Horacek's weak claims.

Out of the closet, sdfan! wrote on Feb 27, 2008 6:45 PM:So in one post, you say that "Horacek is the only board member whose children did not attend SM schools. It's not a coincedence he is the voice of anti-teacher". Then in another post, you admit,"You are correct..." (that Horacek has a child in the district), "...but if memory serves me he did not have any students enrolled when he ran for election." Looks like you were twisting information for your own benefit and got caught.
In another post, you refer to "a number that CTA provides based upon actual state figures" and "Negotiating with the union via the press seems like a terrible idea if I ever heard one". Well, people, the CTA is the California Teacher's Association. And it sure sounds like you're Teacher's Union commenting on this newspaper article. I don't have a problem with hearing both sides but let's be clear here.

46th place! wrote on Feb 27, 2008 6:54 PM:All I have to say, guys, is that we in California rank 46th in the nation in per pupil spending. Why should we have to cut anything?!?! Our cost of living is a lot higher than other places but we're at the bottom?!?! It just doesn't make sense. Athletics is important. Band is important. P.E. is important and so are Librarians. We shouldn't have to choose here. Based on us being at the bottom of the pile in funding, how can we say there is anything extra that could afford to be cut?

Coastal Eddy wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:01 PM:A user fee of about $500 per student would solve most of the districts problems. If parents want everything to stay the same, they should be willing to pay this small fee.

Solution? wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:08 PM:School administrators are overpaid and have overlapping duties. Start off by laying off most of them. That should save enough money to keep all teachers on the job.

one driver wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:07 PM:to solution: RIGHT ON!!! Why for instance do we need a superintendent and an assistant superintendent???

SMteacher wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:07 PM:To Frustration: No one is putting blame on the ELLs (English Language Learner). Just because somebody speaks a second language doesn't make them illegal. I am proudly a second language learner and love teaching them. There is a clear reason why we are ranked 46th even though our cost of living is so high! Every child should have access to an education, but the money needed to educate them most come from somewhere. I ask again for everyone to write that letter and demand change.

Discovery parent wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:12 PM:To the poor misguided sdfan760

You have got to be kidding right? Did you read this article? A quote from this article: "Superintendent Kevin Holt identified about $6.2 million in cuts from the district's roughly $141 million projected budget� You have absolutely no credibility. nuf said!

one driver wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:35 PM:Our school districts have to make all these major cuts because of the inability to balance the state budget but at the same time Arnold is getting 45 million from the federal government for schools that fall below standards. What a crock.

one driver wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:38 PM:Do the parents of San Marcos students know that there's still going to be transportation to the Twin Oaks High school?

frustration wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:29 PM:To SMteacher: I am sorry, what I meant is that there seems to be a lot of people pointing their fingers at people who may or may not be her legally as part of the problem. I am also a teacher and am just tired of seeing comments like " How come the EL programs appear to be unaffected? They don�t even pay taxes! " A student is a student in my eyes and they all deserve to succeed.

teacher wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:14 PM:In response to "fundraising needed"

I teach in a nearby district at a very low-income school. My school DOES apply to grants as do most schools in our district. In addition, individual teachers write to earn grants for their classroom and the school as a whole.

We also do school-wide fundraising, box top and campbell's collection, and printer cartridge recycling. However, all of these things do not off-set the amount that we will need to be cutting from the budget.

Our district has not yet decided what they will be doing to balance their budget, but increasing class sizes and employee cuts are on the table. Over the years we have done a lot of cutting in the budget and there is just not very much room left to cut. However, it isn't the districts fault, they are having to react very quickly to a very dim situation.

Right now all parents and community members need to be supportive of their teachers and administrators across the board as these very difficult and emotional decisions are being made. I make this comment knowing that I will most likely be one of those teachers receiving a pink slip in March and will most likely not have a job come August.

Bob wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:44 PM:Well, as a teacher in this district for 11 years, I have read all your posts carefully here at 10:40PM.

It is obvious that there are many erroneous statements and that there are many personal attacks here.

Attacking the Union is an old story. Your posts are easily ignored. Attacking David is another lame excuse, although he has his faults.

I feel bad for all the great support people we are going to lose and how they make a difference in our kids lives. No one mentions them.

Finally, to those who continue to think that anyone speaking Spanish is illegal, get over it. Your prejuduce is a byproduct of your pathetic educational level and next you will probably blame the Chinese for bombing Pearl Harbor

to 46th place wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:07 PM:We have so many issues in this state when it comes to funding Schools its mind boggling, however I would like to take on this one. California has so many non taxes paying illegal immigrants that fill up our Schools and that unfortunately skews the numbers. We as tax payers certainly pay more than most other states in the country yet we have among the lowest in per student funding. We tax payers are carrying the burden of the non tax paying illegal immigrants that put there kids in our schools totally free. This to me is the obvious reason our per student ratios are so low. The state pays the district on a per student basis not on a per tax payer student basis. I realize these are public Schools but in my mind they are public to legal residents and citizens of this country. If you are a resident and can�t pay taxes I am willing to help educate your child, but I did not give anybody permission to help those that are not here legally. Take care of illegal immigration and you take care of the low per student ratios.

Rock wrote on Feb 28, 2008 6:21 AM:It is the JOB of the PARENT to get their children to school. This whole attitude where people aren�t responsible their own children is part of the problem. As for attendance, I understand the finances, but I guess the district feels it is worth the gamble.
As for EL, I don�t blame them, they want a better life. I blame the state for pandering to them and �wasting� money on programs that don�t work. Many schools (not all) in SMUSD rank very low in similar school comparisons.
What about the GATE program?

Skip wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:39 AM:I have noticed that any discussion of how much Illegal Aliens are costing the State of california education system is off limits for any forum even remotely relating to the San Marcos School District. Sounds like denial to me.

Concerned wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:57 AM:Everyone has a right to be upset and angry. However, instead of being upset with adminisrators, teachers, or parents you should focus your energies where it could be put to good use, on the governor and your state legislature. Please write and call them and let them know how you feel about the state budget and how it will impact our schools.

RE: A student is a student in my eyes and they all deserve to succeed wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:58 AM:I don't disagree with that statement, but I want everyone to know that I pay for my children�s' education in private schools. I am sick an tired of my tax dollars going to educate the students from Mexico, Honduras, Belize, Ecuador, Guatemala, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Canada, China, and Peru. Get the message?

Hey Bob wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:01 AM:The Chinese never did bomb Pearl Harbor; it was the Country of Japan. Shows how much you know, and you expect us to take you seriously. Remember students from public schools will read this, if they can, and you might be misleading them.

To RE: wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:17 AM:DITTO!

to Hey Bob wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:07 PM:You need to re-read Bob's post. You just made a fool out of yourself.

Connie wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:14 PM:The SM article didn't come out in my Vista edition of the NCTimes, so I'm a day late in my opinion. I was a bus driver for 20 yrs. then classroom aide for almost 5 yrs.I know the teachers don't get enough money for the needs of the classroom. They spend their own money for ALOT of the things NEEDED. They have to account for every piece of paper they use for handouts..a counter is on the copy machine. I bought cd players for one teacher as her budget didn't cover the cost for her program. The State mandates that a school will have certain programs, but they will not fund them, it is expected to come from the school budget. The Special Ed program is never funded properly or fairly even though the state demands the programs are in place. The lottery money that was supposed to help the schools is never enough. We need to demand a bigger share of that resource! The support staff at the SM schools were run on a shoestring as far back as 5yrs. ago. Who is supposed to clean the schools now? Who cooks the food? These "everyday" jobs are important to the upkeep of any school. We all, whether or not we have childern in school need to write the state and let them know our feelings. These children deserve the best education possible at all costs. They are our future.

COST OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN CALIFORNIA ESTIMATED AT NEARLY $9 BILLION wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:20 PM:California's nearly 3 million illegal immigrants cost taxpayers nearly $9 billion each year. Educating the children of illegal immigrants is the largest cost, estimated at $7.7 billion each year.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/12/06/news/top_stories/19_56_5812_5_04.txt

To : to Hey Bob wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:07 PM wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:41 PM:RE: You need to re-read Bob's post. .. I just reread the statement, and as an active duty service member in the Navy, I still feel that Bob's statement is lame.

Union has $2.9 million. wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:05 PM:I can�t believe that he union leaders are sitting on $2.9 million and all the while sitting there watching these great people lose their jobs. Teachers, does this sit well with you? From what I can tell all teacher would be willing to pitch in a little if they knew it would save jobs right? If that�s true then that leads me to believe that your union leaders don�t accurately represent you and if that�s the case replace them.

To Bob, a teacher in this district for 11 years wrote on Feb 28, 2008 5:30 PM:RE: prejuduce >> The correct spelling is "prejudice" preconceived judgment or opinion (2): an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b: an instance of such judgment or opinion c: an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics

Pete wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:07 AM:Why don't the school board post their budgets for everyone to see. Lets see the actual breakdown of these numbers so we can be better informed of what been hidden from the public. This is not about Arnold or Horacek. We at the local level have to be responsible too.Unions and teachers are protecting their own interests and thats understandable because its their livelyhood however when others are being rid of their livelihood how is this fair. Wouldn't it be fair to make a 10% cut in wages accross the board at our local level also? This way people get to keep their jobs and continue feeding their kids as well as keeping a roof over their heads. This would be my way of trying to weather the storm. Sacrifices are a lot easier to take than heartaches from loss of jobs...Lets keep it real

Pete wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:49 AM:To: SDFAN760
Judging by the verocity of your attack against David Horacek I can only guess that you might be either a Union person or a teacher who belongs to the union. I was at the meeting, and to me it appears that he was the only board member amongst all those board members who actually showed some concern about the financial concerns of the school system, co-incidently he was the only board member who is not a school teacher therefore not influenced by school unions, furthermore, he's also a businessman who has some clue on fiscal responsibilities.I for the life of me do not understand why we have primarily teachers on the Board when these positions should have been held by persons who have business and financial skills.

He's the only unbiase voice on that board who is not influenced by union interest, and for you to advocate his removal is advocating the removal of the true voice of parents. I wish there were more non-union board members on that board because it will for sure help clean up an entrenched unionized practice. The problem with the board system in my view is that we have people serving that has no idea on how to run the financial operations of the school system...put more non-teacher or union affiliated persons to run our school board. We might see a change for the better

To Pete wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:12 PM:You are incorrect. There is only one board member who is a teacher and she is currently employed by CSUSM. I have a great deal of respect for Beckie Garrett and do not consider her a pawn of the union. Perhaps you should do a better job of informing yourself before you pass judgment on something you obviously know so little about.

to to Pete wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:47 PM:Let me help Pete out here, the point (I believe)is that all of the board members except for Mr Horacek have been endorsed by the union during there elections. although they all seem like nice folks the union only endorses candidates that have similar beliefs. If we parents had a union we would likely endorse Horacek as we also need someone that is looking out for us. Don�t take it personally, I am sure Beckie is a lovely lady!

WE WORK HARD wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:49 PM:Horacek paints all employees, teachers and support staff, with his anti union rhetoric and did so at this meeting at the expense of union employees who were being handed their walking papers. He was SO incredibly insensitive and inappropriate. Why doesn't he fork over his stipend/benefits package that he gets instead of pontificating about how much he hates union members? The trustees in Fallbrook did just that and saved the Distict $70,000. That's the price of 2 of our elementary libraries!! Horacek insults ALL employees who are breaking their backs every day taking care of our schools and our kids.

To "to Pete" wrote on Mar 1, 2008 9:11 AM:Although it is nice of you to try and "translate" for Pete, that is not what he said. We as parents and community members elect school board members. They're not appointed. I would encourage every parent to get more involved. Attend Board meetings, educate yourself before you get to the polls, go help out in your child's class, etc. That way when issues come up, you'll be more informed.

WhoWhat wrote on Mar 1, 2008 5:47 PM:The fear that has kept the 4 to 5% average cost of living increases and health benefits for employees AND their families for all these years has been the fear of the unions, and picket signs, they have intimidated Kevin when he was Asst Sup of HR and they intimidate him now. He never could stand up to them. When Brand tried, he was run out of dodge. It is time for a reality check. Sup Kevin, Len and Gary need to step up against the unions. The Districts spend over 90% of their budget on wages and benefits, more than any other district. Certified, Classified and Admin should give up the COLA for a year or two and pay some of your benefits. This issue is not going away this time, no matter how much the unions wish and ignore, their will be a deficit.

Mike M wrote on Mar 1, 2008 5:48 PM:To WE WORK HARD

Do you think we are stupid enough to believe that we and or Horacek don’t clearly distinguish the difference between the union and its member? I truly doubt that the union members support there union holding on to the $2.9 million knowing how many jobs it could save. You are so pathetic in your feeble attempt to mislead us intelligent and informed parents.

Solution wrote on Mar 5, 2008 9:58 AM:As a teacher I am tired of hearing that we should accept a pay freeze. I am more than willing to turn over my tax rebate that is supposed to be coming in May, how about the rest of you, are you willing to turn yours over to your local school district? Did not think so. Another solution for those of you who think teachers should not get raises, if we don't get them then you don't either. Offset the crisis by taking your raise this year and donating it to your School District. Again, didn't think so.

To WhoWhat wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:16 PM:Speaking on the terms of "stepping up" maybe you should agree to a freeze in your pay, or a tax increase to offset the problem. Oh sorry, that might effect you in some way. Much easier to expect someone else to do it. This problem was not created by the salaries of teachers so why are we expected to take the hit for it. How about taking the fiscally irresponsible tax rebates coming from Bush, and apply those to the budget crisis in the states. Oh, again you would not agree to that because it would take money out of your pocket.

to Solution wrote on Mar 5, 2008 5:09 PM:welcome to the real world. Most of us don’t get a raise in difficult economic times. Many are losing their jobs and homes. Our companies and we as employees realize by not getting a pay increase we are protecting the company and our jobs. In the real world companies do not operate in a deficit, we have to be fiscally accountable and responsible every day. I personally am a team player and in management at my job and have not had a COLA pay increase for two years and about to go on to the 3rd year. I do this because I do not want to see those valuable to me and the company (my peers) get laid off. On top of that I pay 10s of thousands of dollars in taxes ½ of which covers your salary only to hear you wine about not getting a raise and then blaming on me. There are 120 people in your district (your peers) losing jobs and all you care about is getting a pay increase, shame on you!

ResponseToSolution wrote on Mar 6, 2008 7:18 AM:You have a misguided sense of the business world if you believe that major corporations never run in the red. Also, if you are paying tens of thousands of dollars in taxes that pay my salary then you are already making triple what the average teacher makes. Sorry if I don't put you on a pedestal for not raising your salary. Also, you pay taxes to pay my salary "if you own a home, since property taxes pay for education", and I purchase products and services to pay your salary.

AnotherResponse wrote on Mar 6, 2008 1:26 PM:If you truely believe that teachers agreeing to a pay freeze will save 120 jobs then you aren't reading the fine print very well. Teacher pay freezes are in addition to the 120 layoffs to meet the numbers demand. The district with current proposals of 120 layoffs is saving 6.1 million, the salary freeze along with other cuts are intended to bumb that number to close to the 9 million needed in cuts. Teacher raises or no raises will not effect the current layoff proposal. teachers are not as concerned about pay raises as you make us out to be, why you have a personal gripe with teachers is beyond comprehension. The vast majority of teachers would give, and have given, anything they have to help the people around them. Teachers would gladly agree to pay scale freezes if administration would too.

to solution wrote on Mar 6, 2008 1:31 PM:Half of your taxes do not go to pay the salaries of teachers. Do not make misinformed statements such as that. Teacher's salaries come from property taxes not income taxes, and if you are paying 10s of thousands in property taxes, end of discussion because you are in the top 1% of the elite population. Your FEDERAL income taxes do not pay for state education. Also, use the correct whine.

TO TO TO wrote on Mar 6, 2008 5:57 PM:most people don’t work for "major corporations", they work for small and medium sized companies that operate on cash flow. So back to the real world. As for the teachers not taking a pay increase not mattering, that’s insane.

The district is short $9 million, they are cutting $6.2 million in jobs and programs right? without you accepting the freeze the district is still short $3 Million. It’s all clearly laid out in this article?

Quote from this Article:

“The rest of the $9 million shortfall could be covered by the district's unrestricted reserve fund or come from cost-saving measures that would have to be negotiated with employee unions, such as not paying employees automatic salary increases based on experience and education, reducing work hours and delaying the start of school from about mid-August to after Labor Day to save money on utilities. Those items would make for a combined savings of $2.9 million.”

To me if your union agreed to the $2.9 million in cuts and the districts used $3 million in reserves that would cover $5.9 million of the $9 million in “shortfall”? That means the district would only have to make $3.1 million in cuts and not the $6.2 mentioned above. That’s reducing the amount of the cuts by ½, why is that not possible?. Of course its allot easier for you to try and confuse the issues and make us concerned parents out to be teacher haters and unreasonable than to actually come up with a real solution that solves real problems for real people.

TO TO TO wrote on Mar 6, 2008 6:09 PM:most people don’t work for "major corporations", they work for small and medium sized companies that operate on cash flow. So back to the real world. As for the teachers not taking a pay increase not mattering, that’s insane.

The district is short $9 million, they are cutting $6.2 million in jobs and programs right? without you accepting the freeze the district is still short $3 Million. It’s all clearly laid out in this article?

Quote from this Article:

“The rest of the $9 million shortfall could be covered by the district's unrestricted reserve fund or come from cost-saving measures that would have to be negotiated with employee unions, such as not paying employees automatic salary increases based on experience and education, reducing work hours and delaying the start of school from about mid-August to after Labor Day to save money on utilities. Those items would make for a combined savings of $2.9 million.”

To me if your union agreed to the $2.9 million in cuts and the district used $3 million in reserves that would cover $5.9 million of the $9 million in “shortfall”? That means the district would only have to make $3.1 million in cuts and not the $6.2 mentioned above. That’s reducing the amount of the cuts by ½, why is that not possible?. If not all employees including the administrators are included in that freeze they should be. If the board get paid they should take a cut or no pay at all.

Maybe its allot easier for you to try and confuse the issues and make us concerned parents out to be teacher haters and unreasonable than to actually come up with a real solution that solves real problems for real people.

TUTU wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:43 PM:Do you have a real solution, because if you think teachers are going to get raises you are insane. Most are more concerned with classroom materials, their student's well being, and keeping a job. Most teachers that I know have mentioned ideas for solutions, but teachers and unions don't make decisions on how to spend money..The disitrict does. If you want solutions or have any of your own, get off this website and complain to the Board that you elected. Easier to do this though.

to TUTU wrote on Mar 7, 2008 4:18 PM:Great job of changing the subject.

dear tutu wrote on Mar 7, 2008 5:00 PM:this article clearly states that the $2.9 million "would have to be negotiated with employee unions" not the board. I have my issues with this board but I applaud their effort in doing their part. I do agree with you that most teachers would do their part if people like you didn’t try so hard to shield them and the rest of us from the truth.

dear tutu wrote on Mar 7, 2008 5:05 PM:this article clearly states that the $2.9 million "would have to be negotiated with employee unions" not the board. I have my issues with this board but I applaud their effort in doing their part. I do agree with you that most teachers would do their part if people like you didn’t try so hard to shield them from the truth.

Response wrote on Mar 7, 2008 6:43 PM:What exactly do you believe the truth to be. More furniture, smart boards, computers, laptops, and yes cars are purchased for high level board members than teachers. And yes this is recent. Check into who pays for gas cards, insurance, and car leases for the high level administrators in this district. Forget about raises, we need the teachers and supplies in the schools not the DO.

to Response wrote on Mar 10, 2008 1:32 PM:The truth is that the $2.9 million you are protecting will save jobs and programs!

back at ya! wrote on Mar 10, 2008 1:41 PM:Think about how many teachers could be saved and how many supplies could be purchased with the $2.9 million you and your union are fighting so hard to protect. Would you have all the kids of this district sit on the floor with plenty of supplies and no desks to use them on. Would you have all kids be technically unprepared for the this world of technology only so you can make more money? This means you don’t really care about the kids and their education you just want to make sure there is enough money to pay you as much as possible. Eventually the truth comes out and the longer you keep opening your mouth the more you expose yourself.

I would like to see your evidence of all these other ridicules claims you make? Again you spend more time changing the subject and making up lies than you do dealing with the facts. The truth is in the facts the facts are in this article.

Bad Guys wrote on Mar 10, 2008 3:08 PM:Regardless of what is said or done, or what you read or write, the teachers are the bad guys in this budget crunch. End of story. Believe what you want. Your evidence should be as easy as stepping foot in the DO and then stepping foot on one of the campuses, other than SEMS. As teachers we are willing to do whatever it takes to keep people on staff, and as a parent I am willing to pay fees for busing or other services such as athletics. ARE YOU? However cutting my pay by reducing school days also takes food out of my kids mouths. If they want to freeze pay increases so be it.

Priorities wrote on Mar 10, 2008 3:20 PM:Getting off of the debate between unions, teachers, administrators, and parents how about the issue of hiring. In the midst of laying off current teachers in the district, the district seems to have found a job for a head football coach at SMHS. Where are the priorities in this district? In one breath we are telling 120 teachers that they might not have a job, but can find a teaching position for a coach. I would be a bit upset if I were one of the 120 being let go, but we will make room for one more. Why is this person's job created and protected when others are lost?

Sales Tax wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:42 PM:Increase state sales tax by .25% to 8% and have this revenue go directly to education at all levels.