The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, also called FIRST, is issued by the Texas Education Agency, and provides financial accountability for Texas public schools. The FIRST rating is considered lagging data as the score is based on two-year old data, said Vicki Garcia, DISD’s executive director of financial operations, during an Oct. 14 board meeting.
DISD received an "A" or "Superior" rating on this year's FIRST report.
“It’s not just the finance department, it’s the whole district doing its job,” Garcia said. “It takes everybody to achieve this rating.”
Some context
The TEA’s scoring levels include:
- A, superior: 90-100
- B, above standard: 80-89
- C, meets standard: 70-79
- F, substandard: 0-69
Why it matters
A high FIRST rating is important as it creates confidence in the district’s stakeholders. Garcia explained that FIRST scores are considered when determining the accreditation status of a school district, and positive scores impact a district’s bond rating.
“Denton ISD’s continued achievement in earning the state’s highest rating reflects our district’s commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship,” said Susannah O’Bara, superintendent of schools, in a district news release. “Our board of trustees and administration work diligently to ensure taxpayer dollars are managed effectively so that resources directly support our students, staff, and community.”
