Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Another year, another perfect score on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the Gatesville Independent School District.
While superior ratings on the statewide educational accountability ranking have become a habit for the school district, it is not something to be taken for granted, Superintendent Barrett Pollard said during the Dec. 12 board meeting.
"I want to thank (GISD Chief Financial Officer) Darrell (Frazier) and the staff," Pollard said. "He's been short-handed, and the department has worked hard to get this done. It's great to get a 100 but we shouldn't take it for granted. Not all districts do that."
The FIRST report measures several financial as well as academic aspects of school districts. This is the 20th year for the ratings to be issued.
"The primary goal is to achieve quality performance in the management of school districts' financial resources, a goal made more significant due to the complexity of accounting associated with Texas' school finance system," Frazier said.
"A 100 score puts us in the realm of superior achievement."
Among the criteria measured are a district's financial transparency — that is making financial data available to the public, often through a district's website. Details about a superintendent's contract, and the amount of reimbursement given to the superintendent and school board members are also part of the report.
"It's a great report, and you guys are used to that — everybody is doing a great job," Frazier said. "It starts with the board and the integrity you have and the direction you give to the superintendent and employees. It extends to the principals, staff and all departments.
"We have a great staff at the administration building to be able to do this year after year."
