On July 7, San Marcos CISD, or SMCISD, Superintendent Michael Cardona announced his intention to retire at the end of September 2026. The Board of Trustees appointed Sonya Rodriguez as the district’s interim superintendent on Aug. 24, effective Sept. 14.
The overview
The district is in the midst of a comprehensive search for a new permanent superintendent. Rodriguez has 36 years of experience in public education, according to an SMCISD news release.
Rodriguez, an executive director and chief academic officer at Edinburg CISD, has led districtwide initiatives centered on curriculum, instruction and accountability. The initiatives have positively impacted student achievement, campus performance ratings and organizational effectiveness, according to the release.
“I’m proud to see an accomplished Latina educator taking the helm of SMCISD during this transition,” said Board of Trustees member Juan Miguel Arredondo. “As a proud South Texas educator, Dr. Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience, perspective and a deep understanding of the communities and students we serve.”
The district hopes her skills in data-driven planning and performance monitoring will help strengthen efforts to guarantee successful student outcomes, according to the release.
“I am honored to serve San Marcos CISD during this important period of transition,” Rodriguez said in the release. “My commitment to student success, collaborative leadership and educational excellence will guide our efforts as we continue to build on the district’s strengths and pursue new opportunities for growth.”
The background
Cardona, who served as the SMCISD superintendent since 2016, announced his retirement in a letter posted to the district’s website.
He emphasized his high expectations for the district’s success after his departure and cited major wins during his decade of service in the position.
