October 6, 2023

Crowley ISD is being recognized for achieving the highest rating possible for financial accountability. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has awarded the district an ‘A’ or Superior Achievement rating for 2022-202 for exemplifying high-quality financial management practices.

Established in 2001 by the 77th Texas Legislature, the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) encourages school systems to improve financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes. Ratings for 2022-2023 are based on annual financial reports provided to TEA by school systems for the 2022 fiscal year. These reports are subsequently reviewed by the agency and a rating is assigned.

School systems are assigned one of four possible letter grades (A, B, C, or F) under financial accountability ratings, as well as a coinciding financial management rating (Superior Achievement, Above Standard Achievement, Meets Standard Achievement, or Substandard Achievement).

FIRST ratings are calculated using 20 financial indicators, such as administrative cost expenditures; the accuracy of a district or charter school’s financial information submitted to TEA; and any financial vulnerabilities or material weaknesses in internal controls as determined by an external auditor.  

All Texas public school systems are required to share their financial accountability ratings with parents and taxpayers and host a public discussion or hearing regarding their financial report.

Crowley ISD will hold a public hearing to review the FIRST report on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. during the school board meeting at the Central Administration Building.

To review the final 2022-2023 FIRST ratings for all school systems (plus view final FIRST ratings from previous years), visit the TEA School FIRST webpage.