In the annual evaluation of Texas public schools financial management practices, Leander ISD again earned an “A – Superior Achievement” rating, the highest rating available, for the 2023-24 school year. The state’s school financial accountability rating system, known as the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), is designed to encourage schools to better manage their financial resources and provide the maximum amount possible for direct instructional purposes.
“For the third year in a row, Leander ISD has earned an ‘A’ on the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST),” said Pete Pape, Leander ISD chief financial officer. “The School FIRST rating ensures that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices. Congratulations to the LISD Financial Services Team and to the district on earning this ‘A’ rating.”
The FIRST rating measures everything from timely completion and accuracy of the annual financial report, to compliance with payment terms of all debt agreements and timely payments to government agencies, such as the Teachers Retirement System (TRS), and much more. In short, it evaluates a school district’s management of its financial resources.
In addition to the Superior Achievement rating, Leander ISD once again earned high marks from bond-rating agencies. Leander ISD’s bonds are currently rated:
- Fitch AA+ | Upgraded from AA in July 2024
- Standard & Poor’s (S&P) AA | Assigned September 2024
