The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the final 2024-2025 financial accountability ratings for public school systems across the state. The School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), established by the Texas Legislature in 2001, evaluates the quality of financial management practices in public schools based on annual financial reports submitted to TEA.
Under FIRST, school systems receive one of four letter grades—A, B, C, or F—which correspond to “Superior Achievement,” “Above Standard Achievement,” “Meets Standard Achievement,” or “Substandard Achievement.” For the 2024-2025 cycle, 81% of districts and charter schools earned an A rating. Ten percent received a B rating, six percent were rated C, and two percent received an F.
FIRST ratings are determined using 21 indicators that assess factors such as administrative costs, accuracy of financial data reported to TEA, and any weaknesses in internal controls identified by external auditors. There are four critical indicators that can result in an automatic F if not met. Charter schools operated by public institutions of higher education are rated separately on a Pass/Fail basis using seven indicators; all five such charter schools received a Pass for this year.
All Texas public school systems must present their financial accountability ratings at a public meeting to inform parents and taxpayers about their fiscal health.
“All Texas public school systems are required to share their financial accountability ratings with parents and taxpayers at a public meeting to discuss the financial report.”
For further details or to view specific district or charter school ratings for 2024-2025, visit the web pages for independent school districts or charter schools.
