In a recent public hearing held on December 12, Greenville Independent School District's (GISD) Chief Financial Officer, Coy Martin, shared positive news with the Board of Trustees. The announcement revealed that GISD has achieved the highest possible rating in the state's School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST).
The School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) is a statewide accountability system designed to ensure that public schools in Texas uphold high standards in financial management. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) annually evaluates school districts based on various indicators, including external auditor findings, cash reserves, debt management, and staffing levels.
Greenville ISD proudly received a perfect score of 100 out of 100 possible points, earning a "Superior" rating for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Coy Martin, expressing his satisfaction with the achievement, stated, "We feel that reaching the goal of superior is remarkable due to the complexity of accounting associated with the Texas school finance system. The Schools FIRST accountability rating makes sure that Texas school districts are accountable not only for student learning but also for achieving these results cost-effectively and efficiently. The information provided by the Schools FIRST system will guide us in our continued efforts to make the most of each taxpayer dollar."
School Board President Aletha Kruse echoed Martin's sentiments, saying, "The board is extremely proud of this news. It is affirmation that Greenville ISD is committed to excellent financial health." The announcement reflects the district's dedication to responsible financial management and cost-effective practices, ensuring that resources are maximized for the benefit of students and the community.