District earns 100 out of 100 points for second consecutive year in Texas’ school financial accountability system
Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) has earned the highest possible rating in the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 25th consecutive year, achieving a perfect score of 100 out of 100 points for the second consecutive year.
At its October 26 regular meeting, the SBISD Board of Trustees heard the district’s annual financial performance report from Associate Superintendent for Finance David Bender. The results reflect the district’s continued commitment to responsible financial management, transparency and stewardship of public funds.
SBISD has earned the state’s highest financial rating every year since the FIRST program began in 2001, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to sound financial practices and accountability to taxpayers.
“Earning a perfect score for the second consecutive year reflects the discipline and consistency behind our financial management practices,” Bender said. “This rating is the result of careful planning, ongoing oversight and collaboration across the district. Our responsibility is to manage public resources thoughtfully and ensure they support the educational mission of SBISD.”
“Financial stewardship is ultimately about our responsibility to students, staff and the community,” said Dr. Jennifer Blaine, Superintendent of Schools. “We must make thoughtful decisions with every dollar while protecting our ability to provide a high-quality education for every child. This recognition reflects the work of our finance team and employees across the district who understand that responsible resource management is essential to fulfilling our mission. As we navigate significant budget pressures, that commitment to careful planning and student-centered decisions remains critical.”
Established by the state to promote sound financial management among public school districts, FIRST evaluates districts using performance indicators that examine financial practices, including financial reporting, budget management, administrative costs and debt management.
The Superior rating is the highest designation in the state’s financial accountability system. Other possible ratings include Above Standard, Meets Standard and Substandard.
“The Board has a responsibility to ensure that public funds are managed with integrity, transparency and a clear focus on our students,” said Courtney Anderson, Board President.
“Earning a perfect score for the second consecutive year is an important recognition of the district’s financial practices and the people responsible for them. We also recognize that a strong financial rating does not diminish the difficult budget challenges ahead. We will continue to ask thoughtful questions, exercise responsible oversight and make decisions with the long-term interests of our students and community in mind.”
View the FIRST report here