The Texas Education Agency recently announced that Brazosport ISD has once again received a perfect score in the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). FIRST is based on 15 financial indicators including administrative cost expenditures, the accuracy of a district’s financial information submitted to TEA, compliance with payment terms of current debt obligations, long term debt ratio and other solvency related indicators, and any financial vulnerabilities or material weaknesses in internal controls as determined by an external auditor.
This marks the 18th consecutive year the district has earned the highest achievable rating for financial integrity from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
“As a school district we are not only accountable for student success but also for achieving results cost-effectively and efficiently,” said BISD Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Kelley. “This rating system was created to ensure that Texas public schools are accountable for the quality of their financial management and the information provided by the Schools FIRST system will guide us in our continued efforts to utilize each taxpayer dollar to maximize quality learning opportunities for every BISD student.”
Based on submitted information, a school district is assigned one of four possible letter grades - A, B, C or F - as well as a coinciding financial management rating - Superior, Above Standard, Meets Standard or Substandard Achievement.
BISD has received an “A” for superior achievement with a score of 100 points. This rating means that the district met all 15 indicators, earning the highest possible points.
“Fiscally responsible decisions have a direct impact on financial resources available for instruction,” Kelley added. “We understand the importance of trust and transparency as it relates to managing public funds and are proud of this rating as it demonstrates our commitment to our taxpayers.”
To view FIRST ratings for all school districts, visit TEA’s School FIRST website.
Click here to view BISD’s FIRST Rating
