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Trustees decline interim financial report, press for forensic audit after $14M salary overage is disclosed
Summary
Trustees voted not to approve the interim financial report or December legal invoices and several called for a forensic audit after administration and auditors confirmed a $14 million payroll-related draw on reserves and late budget amendments.
At a Jan. 20 meeting, the WESLACO ISD board voted not to approve the district's interim financial report for the month ended Nov. 30, 2025, and deferred approval of December legal invoices while trustees sought clearer accounting detail and outside review. Several trustees said preliminary audit figures presented by administration and auditors revealed a large payroll-related overage that was not reflected in earlier board presentations.
Trustee (unnamed in the transcript) who pressed the board for action said, "We need to get a forensic audit," and urged a special meeting to consider a Weaver forensic engagement. Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera and auditors from Carr, Riggs & Ingram described the figures as preliminary and said their financial audit differs in scope from a forensic review; the auditors told trustees they had not identified fraud but noted late budget amendments and potential prior-period adjustments.
The board's vote to withhold approval followed extended questioning about where $14 million in salary costs were recorded and whether previous packets and slides showed different numbers. Dr. Rivera explained the amount consisted largely of pay raises and stipends awarded last year and said the auditors are reviewing those expenditures. He said the district's current plan includes measures to restore reserves through attrition, cost reductions and bond interest.
Trustees emphasized the difference between a standard financial audit and a forensic audit that looks specifically for fraud and intentional concealment. One trustee said whistleblower grievances had previously raised concerns about "financial manipulation" and urged prompt investigative work so the district can act to protect taxpayers, employees and students. The board president acknowledged those concerns and said trustees would consider a special meeting to vote on a forensic-audit contract if sufficient members support it.
Next steps: the board postponed action on the interim financial report and December legal fees pending clarification of accounting details and further reporting from auditors and staff; one trustee requested a special meeting to vote on Weaver's forensic-audit proposal.
