Dear San Marcos CISD Families & Staff,

San Marcos CISD is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and uninterrupted learning environment for all students. We are writing to share important guidance recently issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding student walkouts, truancy/absences, and political activity during the school day.

This guidance reinforces existing state law and outlines responsibilities and potential consequences for students, educators, and school districts. Our goal in sharing this information is to ensure our community is informed and that we continue to place student learning and safety first.

Guidance for Students

Your education matters, and being present in class every day is essential to your academic success.

• Students who leave class or campus without authorization during the school day will be marked truant.

• Truant absences may result in disciplinary consequences in accordance with district and campus policies.

• Walkouts or similar actions during the instructional day can disrupt learning and may affect school funding that supports student programs and services.

• Students are encouraged to express their ideas and opinions in appropriate ways that do not interfere with instruction or violate school rules.(Outside of school hours, including evenings, weekends, etc.) 

• Seniors who participate in walkouts who are not early release will not be able to participate in graduation activities

• Please be advised that any student who leaves campus during the school day without authorization will be considered to be truant. Students who walk out of the building:

  1. will not be permitted to return to campus,

  2. will not be able to access bus transportation, 

  3. will not be able to participate in any extracurricular activity at the discretion of the campus principal

 Guidance for Teachers and Staff

San Marcos CISD educators play a vital role in maintaining a safe and focused learning environment.

• State law prohibits certified educators from encouraging, organizing, or facilitating student walkouts or departures from class for political activism during the school day.

• Educators are expected to follow the Educator Code of Ethics, district policies, and all applicable state laws.

• Violations may result in investigation and could lead to disciplinary action, including possible sanctions including licensure revocation, per TEA guidance

Guidance for Parents and Guardians

We value our partnership with families and appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of daily attendance and learning.

• Please encourage your child to remain in class and follow campus procedures throughout the school day.

• Be aware that truant absences related to walkouts may result in consequences for students.

• If you have concerns or questions, we encourage you to begin by contacting your child’s campus and using the district’s local grievance process.

• Concerns not resolved locally may be submitted to the Texas Education Agency through its Online Complaints Form, which reviews and investigates all submissions.

San Marcos CISD remains focused on its responsibility to educate students, keep them safe, and comply with state law. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership as we work together to support our students and protect the integrity of the learning environment.

Thank you for your continued support of San Marcos CISD.

Sincerely,
San Marcos CISD
Superintendent Dr. Michael Cardona