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WESLACO ISD reports modest enrollment dip, plans to reduce staff by attrition
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera told the board that district enrollment is down 281 students to 15,960 and that the district will not lay off staff but will reduce 19 teacher and 10 administrator positions through attrition, with projected budgetary savings.
Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera told the WESLACO ISD Board of Trustees that district enrollment at the end of the fifth six‑weeks stands at 15,960 — a decline of 281 students compared with the same point last year. Rivera said average daily attendance through the period is 14,348 and that, compared with other districts in the region, the district’s attendance figures remain relatively high.
"So this school year, at the end of the 5th 6 weeks, we had 15,960. The enrollment difference is a minus 281," Rivera said during his eight‑slide presentation. He said the district budgeted for 14,500 ADA and that principals and staff are taking steps to maintain attendance.
Rivera told trustees that projected staffing changes for 2026–27 will come through attrition rather than layoffs: "For 26/27, we will have 19 fewer teachers in comparison to this school year due to attrition," he said, and added the district plans for 10 fewer administrators, producing roughly $1.4 million and over $1.0 million in savings respectively. He emphasized that "no one is losing their job, but as they leave, we're just not hiring."
Trustees asked for more detail by campus and by grade level so the board can ensure reductions do not create certification gaps or harm classroom instruction. Trustee questions focused on where reductions are expected and whether smaller cohorts in primary grades reflect birth‑rate declines or students who never enrolled. Rivera said the district is tracking reasons for departures and registration remains open; he also described local demographic factors and immigration‑related absences that have affected enrollment.
Board members praised principals and campus leaders for high ADA and urged continued communication between schools about tactics that sustain attendance. Trustees requested a follow‑up with final registration counts so administration can make precise staffing assignments for the coming school year.
