WESLACO, Texas — The Weslaco ISD Board of Trustees approved a one‑time $1,000 retention stipend for all district staff to be paid in December, voting by voice at a special meeting focused on mounting budget pressures.

Superintendent Doctor Rivera told trustees the district faces five key budget risks, including an enrollment decline of more than 300 students, the loss of roughly $2,500,000 in revenue (the transcript shows a larger numeric transcription that context indicates is a multi‑million shortfall), 34 federal positions at risk of not being funded next year, a reported 2024–25 health insurance shortfall of $1,200,000 and a possible 2025–26 insurance deficit projected at about $4,000,000. He also flagged a roughly $1,000,000 increase in substitute pay. "I recommended to the board to approve the compensation plan and that included the $1,000 stipend," Rivera said.

Trustee Mark Delos Santos pressed administrators for more precise figures and questioned whether past raises and stipends—which he said were based on inaccurate budget documents highlighted by whistleblowers—had eroded the district’s unreserved fund balance. "If you have an eight‑digit payroll bill sitting there that you can't afford, you're going to continue to push the district into a very, very critical area," Delos Santos said, adding, "I will resign if I'm wrong and I'm not." He urged the board to prioritize a forensic review.

Board members agreed to a fuller budget discussion when the CFO and preliminary audited figures are available at a Monday meeting; trustees were told the final Riggs audit report is expected in February. Several trustees said they supported fulfilling the previously announced stipend to honor staff expectations while also addressing the broader budget issues. One trustee summarized policy concerns, saying funds already included in a board‑approved compensation plan cannot be removed without board action.

Finance staff clarified details about the stipend: it is a December payout only, and staff estimates for that December payment ranged from about $2.5 million in earlier materials to an updated estimate of roughly $2.6–$2.8 million. The superintendent said there would be no May payout.

The motion to approve the retention stipend was made and seconded and carried on a voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript. Trustees said they will review more detailed financials and the audit materials at the next regular meeting to determine longer‑term steps to address projected insurance deficits and enrollment declines.

The board adjourned at 5:58 p.m.