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.
“Serving this community over the past ten years has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Cardona said in the letter. “It is now time for me to focus on my health and my family.”
Cardona referenced successes the district experienced during his service as superintendent in his letter, including:
“When I accepted the opportunity to serve San Marcos CISD, I believed our district possessed extraordinary potential,” Cardona said in his letter. “Throughout the last decade, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated educators, committed staff, engaged families and a supportive business community to help transform that potential into meaningful opportunities for our students.”
Looking ahead
According to a social media post by SMCISD board trustee Miguel Arredondo, the board will begin searching for Cardona’s replacement.
“I will be looking for a leader who reflects the values of San Marcos, embraces the diversity that makes our community so special and believes every child, regardless of their income, circumstance or background, deserves every opportunity to succeed,” Arredondo said in the post.
Also of note
In June, Hays CISD superintendent Eric Wright announced his intention to retire in February 2027 after nearly 40 years in public education, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Wright served as the district’s superintendent for over 10 years, being hired in December 2017. The district has opened six new schools, passed four bonds and grown enrollment by over 15% during his tenure.
