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WESLACO ISD earns perfect 100 on Texas Financial Integrity rating
Summary
WESLACO ISD received a 100/100 "superior achievement" score on the Texas Financial Integrity Rating System (FIRST) for FY 2022-23, with presenters citing $129'130 million in fund balance and roughly 185 days of cash on hand—well above the recommended 90 days.
WESLACO ISD officials told the board they earned the highest possible rating on the Texas Financial Integrity Rating System (FIRST) for the reporting period that reflects fiscal year 2022-23 data.
"The district received a superior achievement rating," the district's finance presenter said during the public hearing, and later summarized: "Weslaco ISD got a 100." The presenter explained the FIRST score is calculated from 21 indicators, including timeliness of audit submission, a clean (unmodified) audit opinion, debt payment compliance, and reserves. The district reported about $129'130 million in combined fund balance and roughly 185 days of cash on hand; the presentation said TEA guidance recommends approximately 90 days.
Board members asked staff to clarify whether the reported fund balance included restricted funds such as construction and food-service accounts; the presenter said those funds are used in the calculation but explained the district excludes certain inventory-type balances from public-facing presentations. Trustees also confirmed the district had no reportable gifts above the required $100 aggregate threshold and that the superintendent contract and reimbursements were posted on the district's financial transparency website.
Why it matters: A perfect FIRST score is a widely used fiscal-health signal for local districts. The report does not change legal obligations or budgets but is intended to show compliance with audit, debt and reporting standards that affect public confidence and future financing options.
What's next: The presenter said the district will publish the full FIRST report and supporting audit documentation on the district's financial-transparency web page for public review.
