WESLACO, Texas — The Weslaco ISD Board of Trustees voted to pursue outside review of district finances and to obtain a quote from a forensic-audit firm after trustees raised questions about fund-balance changes and interim accounting.

The motion, made by Trustee Ben Castillo and seconded by Trustee Marco De Los Santos, directs district staff to engage Region 1 for technical support, ask the district’s external auditor to review and reverify prior fund balances, and authorize the board president and superintendent to negotiate a fee proposal with Weaver to present a potential forensic audit. Trustees approved the motion by voice vote with one trustee recorded as opposed.

Trustees said they were prompted by a wide swing in reported fund balances over recent months and by allegations from staff that earlier budget work may not have been used. Trustee De Los Santos said trustees need answers “how you went from $65,000,000 to the thirties within just 2 years,” and called for expedited review so the district can make timely decisions about contracts and staffing for the upcoming year.

Superintendent Richard Rivera acknowledged errors in prior presentations and said the district’s financial staff are working to correct records and provide fuller documentation. Rivera also said the district still reported a fund-balance metric of 91 days for the 2024–25 year and described work already under way to reconcile records. He said the forensic-audit quote is being sought so the board can decide whether to proceed.

Board members who opposed or questioned the forensic-audit step said they supported Region 1’s technical review but wanted clear cost estimates before authorizing a full forensic review, citing past expensive audits that produced limited findings. Trustee Castillo said the current motion is to solicit a bid and present costs to the board before any engagement.

The board asked staff to return with the requested quote and with updated accounting work so trustees can consider a special meeting if needed. The motion was recorded as carried; trustees also directed the administration to continue internal cost-control steps in the interim.

What's next: The board’s motion directs district leaders to return cost proposals and Region 1 recommendations to the trustees, who may convene a special meeting to decide whether to authorize a forensic audit.