The San Marcos Unified S ool District is an innovative and collaborative community providing an un ralleled educational experience. Through an engaging and supportive environment, all our students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.
SMUSD EQUITY STATEMENT
The San Marcos Unified School District is an innovative and collaborative community providing an unparalleled educational experience. Through an engaging and supportive environment, all our students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.
Board Core Values
SMUSD Equity Statement
EQUITY STATEMENT
The Portrait of a Graduate is a promise made to every SMUSD student, and we are committed to providing an unparalleled educational experience that prepares every graduate to be Future Ready - f rom the most able to the most vulnerable of our students. Racial, socioeconomic, social, or cultural factors should not predict whether or not students are prepared for college, career and civic engagement
As elected members of the Governing Board of the San Marcos Unified School District, we accept the high honor and trust that has been placed in us to ensure that the students of the district receive an outstanding education that prepares them to be Future Ready in the 21st century The following core values underlie our work as a Board and the decisions we make for our students and staff:
To deliver on this promise, we will:
INNOVATION
The Portrait of a Graduate is a promise made to every SMUSD student, and we are committed to providing an unparalleled educational experience that prepares every graduate to be Future Ready - from the most able to the most vulnerable of our students. Racial, socioeconomic, social, or cultural factors should not predict whether or not students are prepared for college, career and civic engagement.
Continually reflect on and refine our instructional practices to ensure they are meeting the needs of all learners;
We support and encourage innovative programs that challenge, inspire, and prepare students for the 21st century world of work and citizenship.
EQUITY
Ensure that every student feels connected to school and is engaged, challenged, and inspired in their learning;
• Provide the support needed for each student to develop academic proficiency and the competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate;
To deliver on this promise, we will:
We believe that the Portrait of a Graduate is a promise we have made to every SMUSD student, and that this promise will be realized through systems, policies, and experiences that promote equitable outcomes for all.
• Identify and address district systems, policies, and/or practices that are unintentionally getting in the way of the success of students;
HIGHLY TRAINED STAFF
Continually reflect on and refine our instructional practices to ensure they are meeting the needs of all learners;
Ensure that our campuses are safe, welcoming and inclusive places for all students, staff members, and families;
We believe that we will meet our goals for students by providing exceptional ongoing professional development and training for all SMUSD teachers, administrators and support staff
Ensure that every student feels connected to school and is engaged, challenged, and inspired in their learning;
Help students discover and cultivate the unique gifts, talents, and interests that each possesses;
• Partner with our families and our community to support the success of all SMUSD students by modeling and expecting behavior and speech that promotes a culture of empathy, curiosity, and mutual respect
RELATIONSHIPS
Provide the support needed for each student to develop academic proficiency and the competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate;
We believe that respectful and collaborative relationships with district students, staff, families, employee associations, and the broader San Marcos community will support our efforts to meet the needs of all students.
Identify and address district systems, policies, and/or practices that are unintentionally getting in the way of the success of students;
Ensure that our campuses are safe, welcoming and inclusive places for all students, staff members, and families;
Help students discover and cultivate the unique gifts, talents, and interests that each possesses;
Partner with our families and our community to support the success of all SMUSD students by modeling and expecting behavior and speech that promotes a culture of empathy, curiosity, and mutual respect.
We believe that innovative programs, high levels of student achievement, outstanding professional development and strong relationships will continue to position SMUSD as a destination district for students, families and employees for years to come.
San Marcos Unified School District Leadership
GOVERNING BOARD
EXECUTIVE CABINET TEAM
MISSION
& BOARD CORE VALUES
Role of the Board
The SMUSD Governing Board is elected by the community to provide leadership and citizen oversight to the District’s 19 schools. Governing Board members work with the Superintendent to set the direction for the District that is focused on student learning and achievement, establish an effective and efficient organizational structure, provide support to the Superintendent and staff as they carry out the Board’s direction, ensure accountability to the public for the performance of the District’s schools, adopting district policies, approving Local Control and Accountability Plans, adopting and monitoring budgets, monitoring district performance and student achievement and actively listening to public comments.
Mission
The San Marcos Unified School District is an innovative and collaborative community providing an unparalleled educational experience. Through an engaging and supportive environment, all our students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.
Board Core Values
BOARD CORE VALUES
As elected members of the Governing Board of the San Marcos Unified School District, we accept the high honor and trust that has been placed in us to ensure that the students of the district receive an outstanding education that prepares them to be Future Ready in the 21st century
INNOVATION / The Board supports and encourages innovative programs that challenge, inspire, and prepare students for the 21st century world of work and citizenship.
The following core values underlie our work as a Board and the decisions we make for our students and staff:
EQUITY / The Board believes that the Portrait of a Graduate is a promise we have made to every SMUSD student, and that this promise will be realized through systems, policies, and experiences that promote equitable outcomes for all.
INNOVATION
We support and encourage innovative programs that challenge, inspire, and prepare students for the 21st century world of work and citizenship
HIGHLY TRAINED STAFF / The Board believes that we will meet our goals for students by providing exceptional ongoing professional development and training for all SMUSD teachers, administrators and support staff.
EQUITY
We believe that the Portrait of a Graduate is a promise we have made to every SMUSD student, and that this promise will be realized through systems, policies, and experiences that promote equitable outcomes for all.
RELATIONSHIPS / The Board believes that respectful and collaborative relationships with district students, staff, families, employee associations, and the broader San Marcos community will support efforts to meet the needs of all students.
HIGHLY TRAINED
We believe that we will meet our goals for students by providing exceptional ongoing professional development and training for all SMUSD teachers, administrators and support staff.
STAFF
Dr. Andy Johnsen Superintendent
Dr. Tiffany Campbell Deputy Superintendent
Erin Garcia Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
Dr. Joel Garcia Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development
Amy Ventetuolo Public Information Officer
Susan Boynton Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Heidi Herrick Board Member
Lena Meum Board Member
Sarah Ahmad Board President Andrés Martín Board Vice President
Stacy Carlson Board Clerk
FAST FACTS
With a long-standing reputation of educational excellence, the San Marcos Unified School District is:
TOP 5 SCHOOL DISTRICTS
out of 42 school districts in San Diego county
19 SCHOOLS
San Marcos Unified is the 7th largest school district in San Diego County with 19 schools:
10 Elementary schools
2 K-8 schools
3 middle schools
3 high schools
1 independent study school
Ranked as one of the 19,000 STUDENTS 96% GRADUATION RATE
*CA: 86%, *US: 87%
14 schools have received California Distinguished School designation
3 schools have received Gold Ribbon School Designation
3 schools have received Blue Ribbon School Designation
13 different dual enrollment courses offered to our students across the district
504 students were enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses, offering students early college credits
17 Career Technical Education, or CTE, pathways offered
3,248 students engaged in a CTE course
193 students engaged in an active internship
K-12 Visual & Performing Arts Programs
100% of elementary students receive music education
Nearly 6,800 middle and high school students are engaged in at least one VAPA course including music, drama, dance and digital media.
Thriving Athletics Department with multiple alumni now professional athletes, including NFL Players
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
I am excited to share this year’s Annual Report: Fulfilling our Future Ready Promise, highlighting how we are bringing our Portrait of a Graduate vision to life. Our commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom is reflected in our Future Ready approach—equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive.
Every strong vision needs a clear plan. Our Board-adopted Strategic Plan serves as our Strategic Promise, guiding our efforts to integrate data-driven instruction, staff development, and student wellness into a learning experience that truly prepares students for their futures. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, which is why our 2022-2027 five-year plan lays the foundation for sustained growth and impact.
One of the most exciting ways we are fulfilling this vision is through our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. By embedding real-world career exploration into education, we are connecting classroom learning to future opportunities. We are also integrating CTE principles into core academics, ensuring that learning is engaging, relevant, and future-focused.
Thank you for taking a moment to celebrate this year’s successes with us and for your continued support of our students, staff, and families. Your partnership is what makes San Marcos Unified a Future Ready district and a model for excellence.
Andrew S. Johnsen, Ed.D. Superintendent
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
On behalf of the Governing Board, I am proud to share this year’s Annual Report highlighting SMUSD’s continued commitment to fulfilling our Strategic Promise to each and every student, community, and staff member here at San Marcos Unified.
Serving as Board President is an honor, and I am continually inspired by the dedication, passion, and heart of everyone from our staff to our students, families, and communities who work tirelessly to bring our Portrait of a Graduate vision to life.
As a mother of students in our district and a trustee, I experience firsthand the impact of our collective efforts through school visits, community events, or hearing directly from our parents and students, including my own kids. These experiences and engagements fill me with gratitude and reaffirm our shared mission of doing our best for each of our kids and preparing every student for a bright future.
Our goal is to serve all students, and I hope you will see that work shine through the pages of this year’s Annual Report. From career and technical education (CTE) programs to college preparation, from elevating student voice to the invaluable support for our Special Education students, every initiative is designed with one goal in mind: ensuring our students are truly Future Ready
Thank you for your continued support of our students, families, and staff. Together, we are putting kids first and shaping the future. I look forward to continuing this important work with you.
Sarah Ahmad Governing Board President
THANK YOU, SAN MARCOS, FOR SUPPORTING MEASURE JJ !
In November 2024, our community overwhelmingly supported Measure JJ, a general obligation bond that will fund critical upgrades, repairs, and modernization projects across SMUSD’s aging school facilities.
Because school districts do not receive dedicated state funding for facility maintenance or construction, these improvements are primarily funded through a district’s general fund or a voter-approved bond measure. By law, bond funds can only be used for school construction, ensuring that every dollar directly supports building and infrastructure needs.
SMUSD is committed to fiscal responsibility and has earned the highest possible budget rating. However, the scale of improvements needed—totaling hundreds of millions of dollars—would not be possible without the trust and support of our community. Thanks to you, we can continue providing safe, modern, and innovative learning environments that make SMUSD one of the top five school districts in San Diego County and an award-winning leader in education.
For project updates and Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee information, please scan the QR code or visit www.smusd.org/bond_program
Thank you for investing in our schools and our future!
CULTIVATING CONNECTION
How Raíces and Mariposas Are Transforming Student Life at Mission Hills High School
In the wake of tragedy, a movement took root at Mission Hills High School—one that is now fostering deep connections, cultural pride, and student success.
It all began with Raíces, which means “roots” in Spanish. After the heartbreaking loss of a fellow student, one Mission Hills student took the initiative to gather peers for lunchtime meetings, creating a safe space to process grief and support one another. Week by week, more students joined, drawn by the sense of community and belonging.
Determined to create a sustainable space for students, David Martinez, School Psychologist, and his wife, Susan Alejandre Martinez, a School Counselor at Mission Hills High School, formalized the lunchtime meetings into Raíces, where students could share a meal, connect, and receive mentorship from trusted adults on campus. “We saw real connections happening and Susan and I knew we couldn’t let that go,” said Martinez. “These students needed more support.”
Inspired by the success of Raíces, Susan launched Mariposas, which means “butterflies” in Spanish, to support female students who, according to school survey data, were among the least connected on campus.
This female empowerment and leadership program is designed to help students build strong relationships, develop life skills, and engage in meaningful experiences. Students raise funds for field trips and enrichment activities, all with one goal in mind: helping them feel connected to school and fostering positive relationships.
“This group has given students a sense of belonging, cultural empowerment, and access to mentorship and opportunities,” said Alejandre Martinez. “We talk a lot about respect—at home, at school, and in the community.”
And the results speak for themselves. Not only do students report feeling more connected, Mission Hills High School has experienced a 44% decrease in suspensions, a 27% increase in students reporting they feel safe at school, and a 16% increase in students believing they can make positive choices for their future.
The impact of Raíces and Mariposas extends beyond school walls. In partnership with SMUSD’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Culinary
Program, students participated in a weekend tamale-making event led by school staff and community volunteers. The tamales were sold as a fundraiser for a field trip to an amusement park, offering students an opportunity to bond and celebrate their accomplishments. Other experiential learning opportunities this year included a tour of Palomar College, showcasing trade careers, a field trip to Action Air, a local HVAC company, providing students with firsthand exposure to skilled trades, and attendance at the Barrio Empowerment Conference at MiraCosta College, connecting students with leaders in their communities.
Additionally, seniors participating in Raíces and Mariposas will earn special graduation cords, symbolizing their commitment to personal growth, leadership, and community service.
David and Susan, the powerhouse husband-wife duo, are quick to acknowledge the collaborative effort behind these initiatives. “We know this takes a team—we don’t do it alone,” said David Martinez. “Thanks to the support of our Principal, district staff, interns, teachers, and community partners, we are all reaping the positive outcomes of these programs.”
With Raíces and Mariposas now firmly planted at Mission Hills High School, the impact will continue to branch out—reaching more students, strengthening relationships, and shaping brighter futures.
Through strong fiscal stability
San Marcos Unified files another Positive Budget Certification
Despite the worst funding year in over a decade from the State of California, San Marcos Unified has filed another Positive Budget Certification, which is the highest budget rating a school district can receive and signifies good financial standing.
School districts have very little control over revenues which are generated by student enrollment, attendance, and an annual COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). Despite a reduction in state revenue of $4.7 million this school year, due to prudent planning and a thoughtful approach to district planning and spending, SMUSD has once again kept our goal on the long-term stability of the district.
$329.1M
School District Budget Pressures
With school districts’ primary funding source coming from the State of California, our state’s tax structure is volatile, often with years of abundance followed by lean years, and school districts never know until late June what their funding will look like for the coming school year.
This funding structure, coupled with a variety of school district budget pressures, necessitates careful budgeting practices. SMUSD is allocating appropriately for staff and students today, while being mindful of potential downturns tomorrow.
Current Budget Pressures
State funding increases do not offset many rising costs and budgetary pressures.
Declining Enrollment
School districts are funded based on enrollment and attendance.
With an aging population & historic low birth rates, most California schools are in declining enrollment.
COLA
When enrollment & attendance decline, our COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) is applied to a smaller number of students, resulting in less funding. This year our State COLA was 1.07% but our costs to operate increase about 3.5% annually.
Rising Inflation
In addition to rising operating costs, districts must also cover costs like mandated minimum wage increases, pension and health benefits. This year, employee healthcare costs rose over 6%.
With fewer students & a very low COLA, SMUSD received a $4.7 million decrease in revenue this year, but the need for continued excellence in services to students is more important than ever.
MAINTAINING
EXCELLENCE WITH LESS
San Marcos Unified is proud to have a longstanding history of academic excellence and enriching programs, including a commitment to Arts & Music and thriving Athletics programs. Despite budget pressures and challenges, we are working hard to maintain our level of excellence and enrichment programs.
