Originally published on 10/20/2020
Alvin ISD received a superior rating, the highest available designation, from the State of Texas on the 2019-2020 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). The evaluation system was developed in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency and Comptroller’s office. School districts are evaluated annually and the results are intended to give the tax paying community insight into the fiscal management and responsibility of their local school district.
During the October 13 Alvin ISD Board Meeting, the district held a public hearing to announce their latest rating, Superior, which is the highest available designation given by the State. During the Board Meeting, Daniel Combs, Chief Financial Officer, provided the Board as well as the community an overview of the rating and how the district was able to achieve such high ratings. Combs shared, “This year’s rating, which is based on budgetary and financial data, as well as student and staff data from 2018-2019 exemplifies the district’s commitment to good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
The FIRST rating system evaluates school districts on 15 indictors that assess various areas such as receiving an independent audit with no material findings, ratio of long term liabilities to assists, and insuring administrative costs are kept to a minimum. Alvin ISD received a perfect score on each of these referenced areas, with a total overall score of 96 out of 100. When asked about the rating, Combs stated, “The state’s recognition in the form of a superior rating was feasible as a result of a partnership and intentionality from our Board of Trustees, the leadership of Superintendent Carol Nelson, and diligence and fiscal responsibility from all budget managers including our principals and directors.”
Superintendent Carol Nelson added, “We trust that this Superior designation gives comfort to our tax paying community and provides them assurances that the financial decisions in Alvin ISD are fiscally prudent, are driven by our district beliefs, and are focused directly on improving academic outcomes for our students.