North County Times Questions And Response

By Michael J. Brock

Name: Michael Brock Address: 552 Sonoma St. San Marcos CA. 92078 Email: mjb01@adelphia.net Phone: 760 613-0246 (cell) Family: Michael 49, Dawn 41(Wife), Kelsey 8 (daughter), Kyle 2 (son)

1. What suggestions do you have to help get the district out of its $3.2 million deficit? Without looking at the budget, 80-85% of the budget is wages and benefits. We would have to work with all the stake holders to come up with a solution over the next few years. The benefits are going up double digits every year where the cost of living is rising minimal. I believe the cuts could be minimal and worked out by all parties.

2. Do you agree with the district's plan to acquire the land for the 11th elementary school site (Oleander) through eminent domain? Why or why not? I believe that eminent domain should be used as the last resort. In this case there are no existing homes on the site where families would have to move, just bare land. I am a little disturbed that it has taken years to come up with a agreement mutual to both parties. Now the district may have to delay construction and add portables at various sites that cost the taxpayers dollars. The district has already spent a huge amount on plans etc, so it is very hard to turn back.

3. How well do you think Brand's "Partnership for Success" will do even though the board did not approve financing for a coordinator for the program this year? Also, what other ways can the district improve its number of college-bound students? I really feel that the Coordinator position is not necessary at this time due to the fact that the program is new and fairly small. As the program grows over the years, there may be a need. I would like to see more interaction with the local college campuses. Possible more tours etc.

4. Do you think the district has been responsible with its handling of financial resources? Why or why not? For the most part YES. I do not agree with a deficit over the past 3 years but the district is responsible to come up with cost saving suggestions and actually is the board that has to make the final hard decisions.

5. Do you agree with the district's decision to demolish the FFA site on Discovery Street and San Marcos Boulevard and rebuild only the horticulture part of the program at San Marcos High? Yes and No! If the district had a clear cut plan on what to do with the land and what program would be better suited for the students I would be in favor. I hate just to dismantle a program without a plan (Maybe there is one but i am not aware of it!)

6. In your opinion, what does the district need to do to improve secondary level test scores, which have been consistently lower than primary level test scores for years? Possibly add more programs with the local college community. They are always willing to help out. Student teaching etc.

7. Do you support the district's long-term plan to make San Marcos Elementary school a "model school" through the use of student teachers and a new administration? YES. San Marcos Elementary will be a state of the art school in the future when the modernization and rebuilding of the school is complete. They deserve it and I would really like to be a part of it since I have been involved with a lot of construction on that site over the years.

8. Do you feel the district has done a good job of focusing on the success of English language learners? The group has been steadily increasing every year and makes up the bulk of those who did not pass the California Exit Exam. I feel they are doing a decent job with the limited resources they have. Maybe more funding may be available in the near future to give this program a good boost!

9. What are the biggest challenges facing the San Marcos Unified School District in the next five years? Balancing the budget and keeping up with the constant growth in San Marcos. The district, teachers union, classified staff and school board members will all have to work together to overcome the budget deficit. All must agree on the cuts that may have to be made.

10. Being one of the fastest growing districts in North County, do you feel officials have planned accordingly to be prepared for that growth? For the most part yes! They need to get the oleander site resolved quickly and the school built since Paloma elementary and Alvin Dunn elementary is out of space to add more portable classrooms. They would be so overcrowded I feel it would hinder the student performance! I also would like to see a Long Range Plan the spans the next 7-10 years showing the potential growth and identify new school needs so we can get started early on the process!