Dear San Marcos CISD Families,

Last week, some of our students chose to participate in walkouts across our campuses. Our primary focus is ensuring student safety and maintaining a supportive environment for all. Although we do not support students ever leaving campus, we want to show our appreciation for the way our students handled themselves throughout the situation—they remained respectful, peaceful, and mindful of one another. Their actions reflected the strong character and leadership we strive to cultivate in San Marcos CISD and no students have faced any disciplinary consequences related to last week’s walkouts.

Information was shared suggesting that students who left campus during last week’s walkouts could face consequences, including removal from athletics or fine arts programs and being prohibited from participating in graduation ceremonies. At this time, no students are facing these consequences as a result of their participation.

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, we want to emphasize the importance of daily attendance. Each instructional day plays a critical role in academic progress, completion of coursework, and preparation for end-of-year activities and assessments. We appreciate your partnership in encouraging your student to attend school consistently and finish the year strong.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our district.

Sincerely,

San Marcos CISD

Superintendent Dr. Michael Cardona

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 

Statement Regarding Student Walkouts (6:30PM, Tuesday, February 3)

Today, some SMHS students participated in a walkout by leaving class and campus during the instructional day. These actions were not sanctioned or organized by the district. Classes continued as scheduled for students who did not participate, and the district remains committed to protecting uninterrupted instructional time for all students.

Leaving class or campus without permission violates San Marcos CISD policies. Students who left campus without authorization will receive unexcused absences and may face additional disciplinary consequences in accordance with district procedures.

Student safety is always a top priority. Campus staff monitored students while on district property, and local law enforcement assisted with monitoring students who left campus to help ensure their safety.

As a public school district, San Marcos CISD remains neutral on political issues. While students retain their constitutional rights to free speech and expression, those rights come with responsibilities, including following district rules and procedures.

Reminder:

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

• will not be permitted to return to campus,
• will not be able to access bus transportation, 
• will not be able to participate in any extracurricular activity for the rest of the day. 

San Marcos High School Families,

We were made aware of a potential student walkout this week related to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

San Marcos CISD values student voice and supports students’ rights to express their beliefs in appropriate ways. However, there is a time and place for these actions. Events such as walkouts during the school day cause significant disruption to instruction and may create safety concerns for students and staff.

Please be advised that any student who leaves campus during the school day without authorization will be considered to have an unexcused absence. Students who walk off campus will not be permitted to return to campus for the remainder of the school day.

Our priority is maintaining a safe, orderly, and supportive learning environment for all students. We encourage families to speak with their students about making responsible choices and understanding the consequences of their actions.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

SMCISD Administration