Daniel Hornick – Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools

Daniel Hornick has served Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) since July 1, 2022, serving the community since that time. Before joining OCPS, Hornick was principal at North Stafford High School for five years – his focus being building positive relationships and providing engaging educational experiences for his students. Hornick holds three degrees: bachelor from Lebanon Valley College; master and doctorate degrees from University of Mary Washington and Virginia Commonwealth University respectively.

Early Life and Education

Hornick spent eighteen years as a social studies teacher, coach and mentor prior to being appointed principal at North Stafford High School. During that time, he earned three degrees: his undergraduate from Lebanon Valley College (PA), master’s from University of Mary Washington and doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Hornick emphasizes forming trusting relationships, cultivating an inclusive culture and providing students access to rigorous yet relevant instructional experiences. Furthermore, he puts an emphasis on career and technical education and community involvement within OCPS.

Hornick announced his decision not to run again for Colonie Town Board last November due to his work teaching in Ballston Spa as a primary reason. This election cycle, sole Republican Daniel Dustin stepped down while Democratic supervisor Paula Mahan won her fourth two-year term on the Town Board.

Professional Career

He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in Stafford County Public Schools before relocating to Orange County with his wife and two school-aged children. Priorities of focus for him as principal included creating trusting relationships among staff, building positive culture within schools, assuring access to rigorous instruction as well as CTE career pathways for his students.

Hornick secured his seat as Colonie Town Supervisor thanks to fellow Democrat Paula Mahan, ending nearly 100 years of Republican rule in Colonie. Instead of seeking another term as Supervisor, Hornick will return to teaching at Ballston Spa schools.

Men’s Basketball – He earned All-SAC honors for four consecutive years, was honored as SAC Freshman of the Year (1993), and selected to the NCAA All-South Region Team (1994. He became part of MHC’s 1,000 point club.

Achievement and Honors

Hornick has received several honors and awards during his professional career. He served on the NCAA Division II Championship Committee, chaired Mars Hill College Athletics Department and an NCAA task force examining game environments.

He has served on the Colonie Town Board, often as its only Republican member. Although he will not seek reelection this year, he declined to elaborate on why.

Hornick and his wife have two school-aged children whom he enjoys spending time with, as well as participating in community events and has his own Facebook page. MyHeritage DNA test takers with the surname Hornick have taken 28 tests; click here to view their matches.

Personal Life

Daniel Hornick is married with two school-age children living in Orange County and actively involved with community and school events. He holds three degrees: Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania (Bachelor’s), the University of Mary Washington for master’s, and Virginia Commonwealth University for doctorate of Education.

Hornick will not run for another term on the Colonie Town Board this fall, instead opting to stay as a teacher in Ballston Spa where he was first elected in 2009. Hornick was part of an historic upset when elected alongside Paula Mahan to end a century-long Republican rule of the board when elected in 2007. As of today, three Democrats now comprise its makeup compared to one Republican; Daniel Dustin left last year to take an employment offer elsewhere.

Net Worth

Daniel leaves behind many treasured memories and strong connections to family, friends, colleagues and his community. He was generous with an engaging sense of humor who often lit up any room. Unfortunately he also suffered deeply from recurring episodes of depression; only close family members knew the severity of his condition until it led him to take his own life during Rosh Hashanah 2012.

His death has left a tremendous void in many people’s hearts and many are organizing fundraisers in his memory. He was married to Nadine F Hornick and they shared two children. According to public records, they resided across various places across the United States.