Giddings ISD reports third consecutive 100% FIRST financial rating; housing contract moves to title search

Superintendent Ray DeSpain told the board on Sept. 18 that the district received a 100% score on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the third consecutive year, an uncommon achievement highlighted in the superintendent’s report. DeSpain said required public notices and posting procedures will be completed and that the board will take formal action on the FIRST posting at the October meeting after the required second newspaper run.

DeSpain also updated trustees on a pending real‑estate transaction: the district has received a signed earnest‑money contract from Continental Homes of Texas (identified in earlier paperwork with the DR Horton name), and BOTTS Title is processing the title search. He told trustees the inspection period on the contract is 120 days with an option to extend for an additional 60 days, and staff expect the process to be completed before the end of the calendar year if the buyer expedites inspections.

Enrollment and attendance figures were included in the superintendent’s report: enrollment was reported at 1,797 students (up by two) and attendance remained above 96% districtwide. DeSpain praised district financial staff for their work achieving the FIRST rating and said the district will comply with TEA posting requirements before taking related formal action at the October meeting.