Northside ISD Earns Top School FIRST Rating for 24th Consecutive Year

Northside ISD has earned the highest rating available through the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (School FIRST) for the 24th consecutive year, continuing a longstanding record of excellence in financial stewardship and accountability.

School FIRST is the financial accountability system used by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to evaluate the quality of financial management practices in Texas public school districts. The system is designed to encourage sound financial practices, promote transparency and ensure districts effectively manage resources in support of student instruction.

For the latest rating cycle, Northside ISD earned an A – Superior Achievement rating with a score of 98 out of 100. The state awards an A rating to districts earning between 90 and 100 points.

School FIRST evaluates districts on a range of financial indicators, including annual financial reporting, debt obligations, cash and investments, budgeting, long-term financial solvency, internal controls, compliance and required financial disclosures. Northside ISD met all four critical indicators included in the latest state evaluation.

“This recognition reflects our continued commitment to responsible financial management, careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and maintaining the financial stability necessary to support our students, staff and schools,” said Interim Superintendent Jessica Palomares.

“Earning the highest School FIRST rating for 24 consecutive years is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to the consistency and dedication of the people who manage our district’s resources,” Palomares added. “Our community entrusts us with significant resources, and we take that responsibility seriously. We will continue to make thoughtful, strategic financial decisions that keep students at the center of everything we do.”