District News

Former Rattler standout Allex Austin returned to San Marcos to give back by offering free summer training sessions for our student-athletes. Through his expertise on and off the track, Allex challenged participants to improve their skills while emphasizing the importance of discipline and hard work. 

This years Rattler Wrestling Camp focused on flexing new wrestling techniques and building confidence! From fundamentals to advanced drills, campers had the opportunity to learn from those who have competed at the next level while having fun along the way. 

Dear San Marcos CISD Staff, Students, Families, and Community,

After much reflection, I have made the decision to retire as Superintendent of San Marcos CISD at the end of September 2026. Serving this community over the past ten years has been the greatest honor of my professional life. It is now time for me to focus on my health and my family.

When I accepted the opportunity to serve San Marcos CISD, I believed our district possessed extraordinary potential. Throughout the last decade, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated educators, committed staff, engaged families, and a supportive business community to help transform that potential into meaningful opportunities for our students.

Together, we have accomplished so much.

We expanded opportunities for students by establishing the GEAR Up program, providing countless students with the support and resources needed to prepare for college and careers. Our students are spreading Rattler Nation throughout the country, from East Coast to West Coast. Thank you Dr. Monica Ruiz-Mills for writing those grants and applications that created GEAR Up and the Early College High School. We knew our kids could, and they did.

We launched Early College High School with Coastal Bend Community College, creating a pathway that has already enabled more than 110 students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree giving them a remarkable head start on their futures.

Through our partnership with Texas State University, we expanded dual credit opportunities for students at no cost to parents. We also reimagined and expanded a Teacher Residency program that is helping develop and retain exceptional educators for our classrooms.

Our partnerships with the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and Hays County Economic Development Program strengthened connections between education and our local business community, opening new doors for career exploration, internships, and workforce development.

The support of this community made it possible to successfully pass two bond programs that transformed our facilities and created safer, more modern learning environments for our students. Together, we also passed the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE), allowing us to invest more directly in our teachers, staff, and educational programs. Thank you San Marcos Education Foundation, Lion’s Club, School Fuel, The Mermaid Society, Nosotros La Gente, Kiwanis, Rotary, Kissing Tree, Community In Schools, and City of San Marcos for your unwavering support.

Although I will be retiring, I am excited about what lies ahead for San Marcos CISD. The district is well positioned to continue expanding opportunities through new partnerships with Tarleton State University and Lamar Institute of Technology, providing students with even greater access to college coursework, technical education, and career pathways that prepare them for an ever-changing future.

While I am proud of these accomplishments, what I will cherish most are the people.

To our incredible teachers and staff: Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students. Your compassion, professionalism, and dedication inspire me every day. You are the heart of this district, and every success we celebrate belongs to you.

To Mrs. Stephanie Munoz, Mrs, Denise Garcia-Gonzalez, Mr. Andrew Fernandez, Mr. Bernie Sandoval, Dr. Terrence Sanders, and Coach John Walsh, Central Office staff, and Principals: Thank you for your counsel, your honesty, and your steadfast support for our students. Leading a school district is never the work of one individual. Your leadership, expertise, and friendship have made every challenge easier and every success more meaningful.

To Mrs. Georganne Logue and Mrs. Alicia Guenther, Executive Assistants: Thank you for your support and guidance. Words cannot express my appreciation to you.

To our students: You have always been my greatest source of inspiration and my focus. Watching you learn, grow, overcome obstacles, and achieve your dreams has reminded me why this work matters. Watching you rise to the challenges of Algebra I in middle school and Early College High School is inspiring. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. Thank you to the many students who set new standards of excellence in Career and Technology, JROTC, Fine Arts, and Athletics.

To our families, community members, business partners, and civic leaders: Thank you for believing in our schools and investing in the future of San Marcos. A special thank you to Stephanie Reyes, City Manager and President Kelly Damphousse, the best University President. Public education thrives when an entire community comes together in support of its children.

To my wife Laura and my kids Mac, Jack, and Sienna: Thank you for your support over the past decade. The job of superintendent comes with many sacrifices and you have tended to be that sacrifice. I look forward to our new journey together.

As I leave this role, I do so with immense gratitude and confidence. San Marcos CISD has a bright future because of the incredible people who serve it every day. I know the district will continue to innovate, grow, and provide life-changing opportunities for generations of students.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Superintendent for the past ten years. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.

With sincere gratitude,

Dr. Michael A. Cardona

Superintendent

San Marcos CISD

A friendly reminder that our San Marcos CISD Purple Meal Bus offers free food this summer to anyone 18 and under. 

The routes include:

Dunbar Park 11-11:30 AM

San Marcos Public Library 11:45AM-1PM

Please note The Purple Bus and all SMCISD Child Nutrition official feeding locations will be closed the week of June 29, and will resume normal operations on Monday, July 6

The Rattler Boys Basketball Camp is officially underway! Campers hit the court to sharpen their skills and learn the game from our varsity coaches and student-athletes.