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McAllen ISD for the 21st time in 22 years has achieved the state’s highest mark by the Texas Education Agency’s School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, or FIRST.
FIRST is a financial accountability system developed by the Texas Education Agency assigning one of four ratings to Texas school districts from A for “Superior Achievement” to F for “Substandard Achievement”.
The accountability system is in its 22nd year and some of FIRST’s goals are to strengthen fiscal accountability, improve performance in the management of the district finances and facilitate effective and efficient use of resources.
The Superior Achievement rating is based on the annual financial report by the district from the 2022-23 school year.
This is the district’s third straight year with a Superior Achievement rating thanks to a perfect score. McAllen ISD has produced 17 perfect scores in the past 22 years.
“The hard work of our Business Operations Division has paid off,” McAllen ISD Superintendent René Gutiérrez said in a news release. “They have performed with fidelity while operating at a high level of transparency with excellent fiscal management. We manage the public’s tax dollars and take that responsibility very seriously. The entire McAllen ISD team’s dedication toward our goals has benefited our students, staff and schools.”
The FIRST ratings are based on 21 different financial indicators such as operating expenditures for instruction, cash on hand and fund balance.
McAllen ISD has also won several awards in recent years for its fiscal management:
>> The Certificate of Achievement in Excellence in Financial Reporting by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the 14th consecutive fiscal year.
>> The Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International for the 2023-24 budget year for excellence in budget presentation. This is the ninth straight year McAllen ISD has been recognized for its comprehensive budget presentation.
>> The Award for Merit for Purchasing Operations from the Texas Association of School Business Officials. The award recognizes Texas school districts that are committed to following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services. The district has received the award six times including the last three consecutive years.
