“It’s nice to be back in person for the celebration of San Marcos and to share all of the amazing things San Marcos has to offer,” Hughson said.
Hughson went on to express her appreciation for the role city staff played in encouraging mask wearing, vaccinations and communication regarding COVID-19.
“All of this hard work and dedication of our staff and community is what will allow us to pave the road of a successful and prosperous future,” Hughson said. “When people tell me I’m doing a good job as mayor, I tell them we have over 700 employees who are doing a great job.”
Among the achievements discussed at the luncheon were the completion of the bond-funded expansion and remodel of the San Marcos Public Library and the completion of the San Marcos River Shared Pathway project.
The library expansion made it possible to begin offering enhanced ID cards, and the shared pathway project provided connectivity between the city’s visitor center, downtown parks and Texas State University.
“Among the lessons we’ve learned over the last several years is the importance of adaptability, innovation and inclusion,” Library Director Diane Insley said in a video presented at the luncheon.
The flooded activity center, which is set to finally reopen in the coming weeks, and the high intake of animals at the local animal shelter were among the challenges discussed during the luncheon. In 2021, the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter took in 700 more animals than in the previous year, according to a video presentation.
However, with new leadership in the shelter, hope remains for strengthened community partnerships and expansion of foster and volunteer programs.
The code compliance team also announced it will be completing its homeless needs assessment this spring, which began in partnership with Texas State University in late 2021.
“We know people are moving here to enjoy the benefits of our beautiful and thriving community. It's clear that we are moving in the right direction to create the foundation of a thriving business workforce. Together, the state of our city is strong,” Hughson said.
Cardona discussed similar achievements and challenges at the education level.
“Our theme this year ... was the power of ‘re-.’ I think we can all agree the last few years have really been a struggle for families, for kids, for us as an educational system. So we wanted to reinvent ourselves. We wanted to reimagine what education would look like. We wanted to rebuild,” Cardona said. “This year is just a rebuilding year.”
After the trauma of the last few years, the focus is on rebuilding relationships and aiming toward normalcy, Cardona said.
Despite the pandemic, Cardona mentioned many accomplishments among SMCISD students, including Goodnight Middle School becoming an AVID National Demonstration School. AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, encourages students to embrace leadership and advocate for their education.
A handful of students—each representing a different career and technical education program—discussed a program, how it is preparing them for post-high school education and what they hope to achieve.
The CTE programs provide hands-on learning in veterinary, salon, culinary, nursing and other settings.
Cardona also mentioned progress of bond projects at multiple schools throughout the district.
He also added the success of many districtwide bands and teams, including the San Marcos High School Diamond Line team that earned the title of national grand champions at the HTEDance Nationals Competition.
“Like all our students, they’re great representatives of this community,” Cardona said.
