How it works
The school FIRST rating is the financial accountability rating system for all Texas school districts. The ratings hold districts accountable for their financial management practices, according to DSISD officials.
FIRST ratings are based on 21 indicators. A school district must pass four critical indicators, or it will automatically fail.
The indicators analyze district funds, how they are spent and how they are reported. Indicators include assessments such as having sufficient funds, future debts, the ratio of revenues to expenses, student attendance and communication with the public, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Looking back
Last year, the district scored 98 out of 100 points. DSISD passed the four critical indicators and earned full points on the remaining indicators except Indicator 8, receiving eight out of 10 possible points. Indicator 8 measures whether the district has sufficient short-term assets at the end of the fiscal year to pay off short-term liabilities.
What it means
DSISD officials said the district is “financially strong,” with a fund balance of $49.6 million.
