Taylor ISD presents seventh consecutive 'Superior' FIRST financial rating; small disclosure noted

Taylor Independent School District officials on Monday presented the district's Seventh consecutive "Superior" FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating during a public hearing, reporting strong scores across nearly all financial indicators.

A staff member who reviewed the 21-point FIRST indicators said the district scored high marks for timely financial reporting, unmodified audits, timely payment of obligations including TRS and IRS obligations, fund-balance stability and short-term debt capacity. The presenter said the district scored 10 of 10 on multiple indicators, and reported an ability to cover obligations for 179 days after the fiscal year's end on one measurement.

The presenter said the district did not have any material audit weaknesses and passed the indicator that assesses compliance with laws and rules for grant and federal funds expenditure reporting. On required public disclosures related to superintendent and board matters, the presenter said the superintendent's contract is posted on the district website; no outside compensation or gifts were reported for executive officers; and one business transaction was reported involving board member Anita Bollock.

"This is one of the best times for us to celebrate our finance office and our board for the conservative and thoughtful considerations that are put into our budget each year," the staff member said.

The public hearing drew no public comments, and the board closed the hearing before continuing its regular meeting.

Officials provided a link for district-by-district FIRST comparisons and invited questions from trustees and the public.