San Marcos CISD Superintendent Michael Cardona said in-person graduations will be postponed until July 17, citing coronavirus concerns.

Previously, the district had planned to hold its in-person high school graduation on June 5, but after “in-depth research” and “gathering more data” Cardona told Board of Trustees members on May 18 it become an “uncomfortable situation” to have it on that date.

For now, seniors will have a virtual graduation at 8 p.m. May 29. According to Cardona, plans are underway to honor all high school graduates in the ceremony.

The intent of pushing the graduation date a month further is to allow the administration to plan a safe ceremony and better monitor the progress of COVID-19, according to Cardona.

“That will give us about another month to look and see how this COVID-19 is progressing," he said. "Hopefully, things will get better and maybe in a safe manner, we can honor our graduates. "

In efforts to honor all SMCISD seniors, parents have organized a parade that will start at San Marcos High School at noon on May 29, according to a Facebook post from Rhonda Martinez, a SMCISD parent.

Though Cardona remains positive, he said there might be a possibility of canceling in-person graduation entirely.

“But the reality is, as I mentioned in the letter that will be coming out, it may be that we don’t have it, and I don’t want to take away from the accomplishments that our kids have and our families have contributed throughout the course of our students’ educational career...it’s the beginning of their life.”