FIRST

It is important that there be a positive reserve fund balance in case the tax base reflects a drop. Another important thing would be Transparency. Stakeholders need to be assured that their tax dollars are being utilized for the purpose that they were collected and that is educating our children. The third most important component would be integrity. It is important that those in positions to allocate finances can be trusted. ||
 * The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) is an accountability system that rates a Districts financial behavior in an effort to maximize usage of educational funds. The Superintendent must monitor the new STARR accountability system as well as FIRST. The rating given financial usage is equally important to all stakeholders. The system ranks Districts into four possible outcomes measured numerically. A Superior rating will obtain a score of 72-80, Above Standard will be 64-71, Standard will be 56-63 and a substandard rating will be 56. ([]).