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Hays CISD and San Marcos CISD have experienced major changes in the past two months, from both superintendents announcing their retirements to the district’s construction and unveiling of new schools.
Check out four education stories from the Hays County area.
1. Hays CISD superintendent set to retire after four decades in public education
After eight years serving as the Hays CISD superintendent of schools and nearly 40 years in public education, Eric Wright will retire in February 2027.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your superintendent,” Wright said in an email to staff, parents and community members.
Career history
Wright has served as a superintendent since 2004 before being hired by HCISD in December 2017.
Since 2018, HCISD has opened six new schools, passed four bonds and enrolled almost 6,000 additional students. Enrollment has grown by over 15% in the past five years.
What’s next
Wright will work with the board of trustees to select a new superintendent of schools.
The Hays CISD community will soon see a new comprehensive high school as the district breaks ground on the $396 million construction project. An update on the project was provided on the district’s back-to-school information page.
The big picture
Construction began in May and is expected to continue for approximately three years. District officials plan to open High School No. 4 in time for the 2029-30 school year. The school will have the capacity for 2,800 students.
Construction of High School No. 4 was funded by Proposition B of the 2025 voter-approved bond. The school is being built to meet the district's enrollment needs. HCISD has added about 1,000 new students each year since 2018.
One more thing
On a page recently published on HCISD’s website, district personnel encouraged community members to begin thinking about possible names for the new high school, as well as Elementary School No. 18, which is expected to break ground in January. HCISD’s naming policy allows schools to be named after former district employees who made significant contributions to historical or geographical sites in the community.
Michael Cardona has served as the superintendent of schools for San Marcos CISD since 2016. On July 7, he announced his intention to retire at the end of September 2026.
What happened
In a letter posted to the SMCISD website from Cardona, he reinforced his high expectations for the district following his departure, including expanded opportunities through partnerships with Tarleton State University and the Lamar Institute of Technology.
Cardona referenced successes the district experienced during his service as superintendent in his letter.
Looking ahead
According to a social media post by SMCISD board trustee Miguel Arredondo, the board will begin searching for Cardona’s replacement.
Read on from Reporter Michael Milliorn.
4. SMCISD to open new elementary campus ahead of school year
San Marcos CISD officially opened the new Mendez Elementary School campus on Aug. 19 for the 2026-27 school year. A celebratory ribbon cutting was held on Aug. 13.
The gist
The new building was funded as part of a 2023 bond project. The project came in under budget at $58.1 million.
“After years of planning and construction, we’re just days away from opening the new Irene K. Mendez Elementary School,” said SMCISD Board member Juan Miguel Arredondo in a social media post.
