The 2016-17 San Marcos CISD school board, from left: Lupe Costilla, John McGlothlin, Kathy Hansen, Miguel Arredondo, Margie Villalpando, Anne Halsey, Clem Cantu[/caption]
“What this has taught me is you trust, but you verify everything. Even when you have good people, unfortunate things can happen. We put some systems in place [to prevent this from happening again], and now we move on.”
—Michael Cardona, SMCISD superintendent, on the resignation of the former San Marcos High School principal in 2016 after it was discovered she had changed some students’ grades
Big decisions made in 2016
Creating core commitments The board of trustees created a list of four core commitments that will guide the district’s policy and priorities. The commitments include ensuring students are performing at or above grade level and are graduating career- and college-ready, and ensuring the district creates a culture of high expectations and works to eliminate achievement gaps among students of varying racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.
PSAT testing In October, 2,600 students in grades 7-11 took the PSAT, which is used to qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship.
New superintendent steps in Michael Cardona, who took over as SMCISD superintendent in the summer, said his entrance to the district included reviewing student academic data and putting systems in place to better support students and teachers.
Top issues for 2017
Counseling partnership with Texas State University The district is working with the university on a potential agreement that would allow students at Texas State’s school of social work to counsel students through socio-emotional issues.
Improving student safety In the spring and fall 2016 semesters, the district piloted the Here Comes the Bus app, which gives parents real-time location information about their child’s bus. The app will expand to include secondary schools in the spring. Cardona said the district is hopeful this will improve student safety.
Move toward a balanced budget In the 2016-17 school year, the board of trustees approved a budget with an anticipated $3.9 million shortfall. Cardona said moving closer to a balanced 2017-18 school year budget will be a top priority.
