El Paso ISD receives clean annual audit; revenue up from local valuations, enrollment continues to decline
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Summary
Auditors presented the district's FY2024–25 comprehensive annual financial report, reporting about $10.6 million higher local revenue tied to property valuations, federal revenue declines tied to ESSER funds ending, and per‑student spending about $13,000; the board approved the report.
The El Paso Independent School District board received the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2024–25 and accepted the independent auditors' findings at its Dec. 16 meeting.
Marlene Strickland, partner in charge for Gibson Ruddock Patterson, said the firm conducted financial statement, Yellow Book and single audit work and noted implementation of a GASB change on compensated absences. She summarized revenue changes: local revenue rose by roughly $10.6 million, mainly from increased property appraisals; federal revenue fell significantly (about $70.8 million) as ESSER federal funds ended; state revenue decreased by approximately $11.5 million, offset partially by increased instructional materials grant receipts.
The audit presentation reviewed general fund expenditure increases driven by personnel costs (salaries, benefits and stipends), a shift of some ESSER‑funded activity back into the general fund, and capital asset purchases including five buses. The auditors said approximately $0.74 of every district dollar goes directly to instruction and student support.
Strickland reported the district had about 67 days of unassigned fund balance as of June 30, 2025, and highlighted a continuing enrollment decline over five years. Per‑student spending was reported at about $13,000, with the state contributing about $8,100 of that amount. The audit team noted small recommendations to improve controls and said management had already begun addressing those items.
Trustees thanked auditors and staff. Trustee Querra moved to approve the ACFR and the independent auditors' report; Trustee Osterlund seconded and the board approved the report (vote recorded as 6–0 in open session).
The report will be posted as part of the district's financial documents and management will continue to address recommended internal control improvements.