WISD holds public hearing on FIRST rating; district scores 92 of 100 (Superior)

The Waxahachie ISD Board of Trustees conducted a public hearing on the districts Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) results and heard a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Bridal Collin. Collin reported the district received a score of 92 out of a possible 100 points, which meets the Texas Education Agencys threshold for a "Superior" rating (90 or higher).

Collin walked trustees through the FIRST indicators and the districts performance. Highlights included a positive net position on a government-wide basis (the district reported roughly $96 million when certain items were factored out), a 3.5% increase in fund balance over the measurement period, and about 82 days of cash on hand (8 points in the indicator). Collin also said the district exceeded the current-assets-to-current-liabilities ratio threshold, reporting 10.4 for that indicator, and that general fund revenues exceeded expenditures after adjustments for capital outlay.

The presentation noted statewide context: roughly 98 percent of Texas districts meet standard under FIRST and the number of districts earning the "Superior" rating has decreased slightly statewide. Collin emphasized the rating reflected audit data submitted for the 2023-24 fiscal year. After the presentation the board opened the hearing for public comment; no individuals signed up to speak and the hearing was closed.

Collin said the management report that accompanies the FIRST rating will be posted publicly and includes required disclosures such as travel and training expenditures. She also noted that Waxahachie ISD has earned "Superior" ratings most years since FIRST was implemented in 2002, with the exception of 2014-15 when the rating that year was only pass/fail.