SMCISD board rescinds vote to build central administration office

The San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted at Monday’s meeting to rescind a previous vote to construct a central administration office at Mendez Elementary School. 

SMCISD administrators relocated in late 2017 to a temporary location at 631 Mill St., which the district pays $12,000 a month, after mold was found in the previous central office. The board approved to spend $4.55 million to renovate a part of Mendez Elementary School for a central office on Feb. 19, 2018. The district spent $261,766 of the allocated funds for the Mendez project. With Monday’s vote, the remaining $4,293,123 will no longer be reserved for construction of a central office. 

“If and when, (Superintendent Michael) Cardona, the administration is ready with another admin (office) idea then this board or whatever board would vote for whatever the budget appropriate amount is,” board president John McGlothlin said. “I think that’s the thinking here.” 

The trustees had previously voted on Feb. 18, 4-3, to table discussions on whether to build a central office at a 2.5-acre location at South LBJ Dr. near Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, or at an 11.96-acre location at Suttles Dr. and Hunter Rd. 

In other business at Monday’s meeting, the board nominated and approved Superintendent Michael Cardona by a 6-1 vote to represent SMCISD on the City of San Marcos Economic Development Board. The trustees unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of San Marcos for a school resource officer contract. The school currently has five resource officers. 

The trustees unanimously approved a resolution regarding a proposed donation of real estate with La Cima San Marcos LLC. The donation is between 12-13.5 acres of land located as a part of the La Cima Master-Planned Community for a future elementary school site. 

The board unanimously approved schematic designs, by Perkins+Will for DeZavala Elementary School. 

The trustees unanimously approved Dr. Monica Valadez as the district’s director of bilingual services. 

“I do want to thank all of you for the vote of confidence and for this opportunity,” Valadez said. “I have 10 years of experience in bilingual education in elementary school and it’s very dear and near to my heart, especially with the experiences of myself and my parents as newcomers at one point. So, I am eager and very enthusiastic to continue evolving the program.” 

The board also approved the purchase of attendance credits from the state and approval of Texas Association of School Board candidates. 

The trustees tabled discussions on a board policy update, a maximum price amendment with Cadence McHanse Construction Company and delivery of Miller Middle School addition and renovation project until the next meeting. 

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. at San Marcos High School, 2601 Rattler Rd., inside the Criminal Justice Classroom.