On Dec. 1, the Texas Education Agency released its final 2016-17 financial accountability ratings for more than 1,200 school districts and charter schools across the state. Leander ISD was awarded an 'A' letter grade. The school district received a score of 100 and was assigned a final management rating of ‘Superior.’ The state’s financial accountability rating system, known as the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, or FIRST, was created to ensure that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices, according to the TEA’s website. The 2016-17 ratings are based on annual financial reports from the 2015-16 fiscal year. According to a press release from the TEA, the ratings are based on 15 financial indicators, such as administrative costs, the accuracy of the financial information submitted and any financial vulnerabilities. The TEA assigns a school district or charter one of four possible letter grades—A, B, C or F— and one of four financial management ratings—Superior, Above Standard Achievement, Meets Standard or Substandard Achievement. To review the 2016-2017 FIRST ratings for all districts and charters, or to view ratings from previous years, visit the TEA website here.